ARCHIVED: READERS WEIGH IN -- Dangers of salt

A couple of years ago our household stopped adding salt to our food. We've avoided frozen and canned foods as much as possible. We didn't find it too hard to do. Now when we eat out, or away from home, the high salt content of things is really noticeable. I think we better off without the added salt in the house. Austin http://drughealth.blogspot.com/

Austin Lee @ 7:17 AM PST, Nov 2, 2008

Our common understanding of salt and health is entirely based on blood pressure and nothing else. The most recent studies such as the one by Nakandakare in this month's issue of "Atherosclerosis" confirms what most professional researchers have known for some time. If the average person reduces their salt intake to the recommended levels (1500-2300mg sodium per day), then there is a good liklihood of negative health consequences that exceed any possible small benefit in blood pressure reduction.

Morton Satin @ 11:53 AM PDT, Oct 31, 2008

1. Pricier = less sodium. 2. Avoid spice aisle; some companies (Penzeys) do salt-free spices. 3. Use black pepper for salt. 4. Potassium chloride for baking powder. 5. No-salt tortilla chips + dip: many salsas are low-sodium. 6. Search for low-sodium breads. 7. Become your own cook; learn to make/use roux; avoid canned soups. 8. Swiss cheese = low sodium. 9. Maple/honey-baked ham, or roast beef = good; turkey and chicken = saltiest. 10. Frozen veggies, not canned.

Simon @ 10:24 AM PDT, Oct 30, 2008

I use Tabasco on veges, meats, eggs, etc. It is low in sodium, and I like the flavor. Also note that compared with other "hot" pepper sauces, the salt is very low. So you must READ the label.

Old Salt @ 9:53 AM PDT, Oct 30, 2008

Have never had a BP issue, but have loved/craved salt since childhood. While not purposely trying to reduce salt in my diet, I found my desire for it went away when I gave up sugar several years ago (I didn't switch to sugar or salt alternatives--just elimiated them). Toughed out the sugar deprivation for a solid week, then noted numerous beneficial changes in how I felt / overall health. No cravings for salt or sugar! Female, late 40's.

rm @ 1:54 PM PDT, Oct 29, 2008

I use ground cayenne pepper, instead of salt. I've grown to like the taste -- but be careful you don't get it on your fingers, and then touch sensitive areas!!!

Eric @ 1:50 PM PDT, Oct 29, 2008

I have had to look more carefully at labels, especially those found on frozen entrees and soup. The low sodium varieties take some getting used to, but every now and then I buy the regular kind simply because it tastes better!

Sharon @ 1:12 PM PDT, Oct 29, 2008

Use Sea Salt and you won't have this problem. It has it's minerals that is vital to the body and doesn't affect blood pressure that table salt does (minerals are stripped and aluminum is added to give its white color). Rule of thumb: Man cannot improve on God. So anything man has done to improve when it comes to food, you know it will be harmful to you (now or when you get older).

BLW @ 1:03 PM PDT, Oct 29, 2008

You have to give up all processed foods to get any real reduction in salt. Honestly everything has sugar and salt in it and their both bad for you in the amounts you get from processed foods.

John @ 12:15 PM PDT, Oct 29, 2008

I have never liked salt much. To taste the real natural flavor of food is more important to me. I do have very low blood pressure, and always have, but it that has to do with heredity. I don't believe that it is because I eat too little salt!

Mira @ 11:32 AM PDT, Oct 29, 2008

Next