Low Sodium Diet

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: Commonly found in fish, seeds, nuts and plants.

POLYUNSATURATED FATS:

These fats may help to lower total blood cholesterol levels. Adding small amounts of fat in your diet (1-2 tsp/meal or 1-2 tbsp “lite” ) have a satiety factor and will help you feel full longer after a meal.  These fats include:

MARGARINE: Stick, tub or squeeze
MAYONNAISE: Regular or reduced fat
SALAD DRESSING-MAYONNAISE TYPE: regular or reduced fat
NUTS: Walnuts, English (4 halves = 5 g fat) 
SUNFLOWER OIL
SAFFLOWER OIL
SOYBEAN OIL
CORN OILS
SEEDS: pumpkin, sunflower (1 tbsp = 5 g. fat)
FATTY FISH-SUCH AS IN TUNA, SALMON AND MACEROL (omega 3)

MONOUNSATURATED FATS

These fats may help reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol in your body. 1 tsp = 5 g of fat.  These fats include:

CANOLA OIL
OLIVE OIL
PEANUT OIL
FLAXSEED OIL
NUTS: Almonds, cashews (6 nuts= 5g. fat), mixed nuts (6 ) peanuts (10), pecans (2)
PEANUT BUTTER (1-1/2 tsp)
SESAME SEEDS (1 Tbsp)

**Avoid SATURATED fats, as they can raise blood cholesterol levels.  These fats include: Animal fats from meat, poultry and high fat dairy products (whole milk, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, bacon/grease, hard cheese and ice-cream)  Also: Tropical fats: coconut, palm and palm kernel oil

Hydrogentated fats or Trans Fats.  These fats have been artificially altered to preserve their shelf life-a process that makes these acids harmful to your cells.  They are often found in processed, convenience and fast foods.  Shortening or “hydrogenated oils” are key words to look for on labels.

If you have any questions or want further follow up as an outpatient, please call 317-468-4467.