Your body needs sodium to maintain body fluid balance, plus your nerves and muscles need it for normal function. They typical Western diet gives you all the sodium you need. In fact, it usually gives you way more sodium than you need (the average American consumes at least 3,400 milligrams per day). The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests no more than 2,400 milligrams and even down to 1,500 milligrams for people aged 51 or older, African Americans, and people with hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. That's about half the population of the United States.
Recently the Institutes of Medicine took a look at the research evidence regarding the importance of lowering sodium. It looks like reducing sodium to 2,400 milligrams is still a good idea, but most of us may not need to get down to 1,500 milligrams. It's hard to know for sure, because the evidence isn't that great either way. So, for now, the Dietary Guidelines' recommendations stand, but if you have questions about sodium and your heart disease risk, talk to your health care provider.
More About Sodium
Right now I'm looking out my window at a beautiful sunny day and I wish I outside playing instead of inside working. This got me thinking about summer fun (summer's not far off) and hanging out at the beach or the pool so I thought I'd offer some ideas for foods that may help you on your quest to get ready for wearing a bikini:
Foods for a Bikini BodyWhat are your favorite foods for staying slim and sexy?
I was sitting around today lamenting the fact that changing a person's diet is really difficult. We get stuck with lots of bad eating habits, plus it can be difficult knowing where to begin. So, I thought I'd write up five quick tips for changing your diet -- right here, right now:
Five Easy Ways to Improve Your Diet Right NowI'v been busy finding meal ideas that are healthy and delicious (
here's a whole week's worth of meal plans). I'd say most of them are fairly easy to prepare as well. Here are a few of my latest ideas, each one features a main dish along with sides and dessert:
Want more? Sign up for my
Healthy Meal Ideas Program and get a daily email with a link to a new meal plan, list of ingredients, and tips for getting everything done at the same time.
