A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that many Americans consume too much salt in their diets.  In fact, the study pointed out that most people consume double the recommended amount.  For seniors especially, excessive sodium intake can be detrimental to health and can exacerbate or lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and congestive heart failure.  An in home care provider can help seniors control sodium intake with a regimented diet plan.

The Right Amount 

While consuming too much sodium comes with risks, sodium deficiency is also detrimental; however this is rarely an issue with the typical American diet. The recommended daily allowance is less than 1,500 milligrams per day for most seniors. This is the upper limit, which means that 1,500 milligrams or less is typically an acceptable amount.  Since sodium is essential for balancing fluids in the body and for proper muscle function, maintaining optimal sodium levels from diet is important.

Reducing sodium intake can be relatively easy, requiring little sacrifice with the following suggestions:

•             Increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption

•             Avoid convenience foods

•             Ask for restaurant food to be prepared without salt

•             Avoid adding salt to foods

•             Read labels carefully for sodium content

An elderly care provider arranged through the professionals at Always Best Care can help seniors determine which foods are good choices in terms of sodium content and overall nutrition and which foods to avoid. Our home care providers can assist with grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation as well as making the best choices when eating out.  Visit our website or call us toll free at 1-855-470-2273 to learn more about our senior services.