Sodium, which is one of the minerals necessary for the realization of vital activities in the body; It takes part in vital functions such as maintaining fluid balance in the body, transmission of nerves, and muscle contraction. Although it is one of the most abundant minerals in the body, it should not be consumed more than 2300 mg per day for a healthy individual. Excess sodium consumption disrupts the body's water balance and vascular structure, leading to cardiovascular and kidney diseases. In some such medical conditions, a sodium diet is recommended. The sodium diet is a diet model in which foods with high sodium content are restricted. Table salt and processed products come first among these foods.
Who Is Sodium Diet Recommended For?
Sodium diet is effective in lowering blood pressure and protecting against stomach cancer. At the same time, it is a medical nutrition therapy recommended for patients with cardiovascular, kidney and hypertension. A point to be considered is that this diet must be applied by a nutritionist.
How to Do Sodium Diet?
Some of the daily sodium need is met from natural foods, but it is mostly taken from table salt and packaged foods. For this reason, the main point of the sodium diet is to reduce packaged foods and table salt. For this, the following suggestions should be taken into consideration:
✓ Salt should not be added to the meals afterwards, the salt shaker should be removed from the table.
✓ Meals should be cooked with little salt, and spices should be used instead of salt to sweeten the dishes.
✓ Meals should be cooked at home as much as possible. Ready meals we eat out, especially fast food ones, contain much higher sodium.
✓ Ready-made soups, processed meat products such as salami, canned and pickled products, salad and pasta sauces should never be consumed.
✓ Many packaged foods contain high levels of sodium. When purchasing packaged products, the label must be read. If it contains more than 140 mg of sodium per serving, it should not be consumed.
✓ Oil seeds such as salt-roasted kernels, peanuts and almonds should not be consumed. ✓ Cheese and olives should be preferred without salt or with less salt. Another alternative is before eating these foods. soaking in plenty of water.
What are the Harms of Sodium Diet?
Sodium; It is a mineral that provides acid-base and water balance, intercellular communication and muscle contraction in the body. Because it has vital duties, the need must be met. In cases such as heart failure, kidney diseases and hypertension that require sodium restriction, there is no harm in applying this diet, on the contrary, it is necessary for health. However, the sodium diet must be applied under the control of a specialist. Otherwise, negative effects may occur, up to loss of consciousness and coma.
DIETHIAN GÖKHAN CELIK
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