Low Sodium Diet

A sodium restricted diet helps to manage high blood pressure.  It also decreases fluid retention such as in Congestive Heart Failure.

FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN SODIUM:

1. Foods that are in a salt brine, such as pickles and sauerkraut.
    

2. Instant mixes of potatoes, sauces, rice and stuffing. It is the broth in the flavor packet that increases the sodium in the product.  Try to make these products yourself using low sodium broth and spices.
    

3. Smoked, cured or salted meats such as ham, bacon, hot dogs, cold cuts, chipped beef, or canned meats unless they are labeled low sodium.  Use fresh sliced or shaved meats such as beef, chicken, or turkey. Fresh frozen meats are also a good choice.
    

4. Canned or dehydrated regular soups, broths or bouillons.  There are now soups and broths available that are lower in sodium such as Healthy Choice products or low sodium Campbell’s soups.
    

5. Products seasoned with ham or bacon, such as green beans.  Flavor your vegetables with herbs and spices.
    

6. Salts of garlic, onion or celery.  Use fresh, minced, chopped, diced or the powders of these products.
    

7. Meat tenderizers such as MSG, steak, teriyaki, or soy sauce(unless labeled low sodium) and flavored vinegars.
    

8. Juices that have salt added such as tomato and V-8.  Use the low sodium products of these.
    

9. Breads, rolls or crackers with salted tops.
    

10. Snacking foods such as potato chips, pretzels, or nuts are salted.  All of the products are available in unsalted. Fruits and vegetables are good choices for snacks.
     

11. Baking powder, baking soda, and products containing these such as toothpaste or self rising flour.
     

12. Canned vegetables or those with sauces on them.  Choose fresh or frozen for lower sodium.
     

13. Use caution with fat free or low fat salad dressings.  Many times salt is increased to add flavor when fat is reduced.
     

14. Cheese, especially processed cheeses, are high in sodium.  Look for low sodium cheeses that are available.
     

15. Frozen breaded meats. The breading has salt added to it.  Try to make your own breading or use unbreaded meat products.
     

16. Instant cooked cereals.  Use the longer cooking cereals and leave the salt out.
     

17. TV dinners are also high in sodium.  Use products such as Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice or look for dinners with 500 mg or less of sodium.
     

18. Avoid salt in cooking or at the table.  Use a salt substitute, herbs and spices or products such as Mrs. Dash for flavoring. Powdered butter flavoring such as Butter Buds or Molly McButter will also add flavor.

HEALTHY CHOICES:

1. Maintain a healthy body weight.
    

2. Exercise to help to maintain weight and blood pressure levels.
    

3. Learn to read food labels for sodium content in food. Know the serving size of a portion of food.
    

4. Try to keep the sodium levels of products under 400 mg. sodium when reading labels.

WEBSITE LINKS:

Mayohealth.org
Eatright.org
Diabetes.org
Healthfinder.gov
Nih.gov/health
My.webmd.com
Heartinfo.org
Americanheart.org
Justmove.org

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