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Today's Heart Tip: Eat Less Salt

Josh, RN eICU Nurse St. Luke’s Electronic Intensive Care Unit, Boise
By Anna Fritz, Health and Wellness
February 24, 2014

Our bodies need salt, just not a lot. But most Americans eat well above the 2,300 mg or less per day recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Too much sodium in the diet increases blood pressure, creating an added burden on the heart and putting you at risk for heart failure and stroke. Read labels and limit or avoid processed foods, fast food, and condiments that have high levels of sodium. At home, use less salt by trying spices or lemon juice to season your foods.

Josh's heart advice: “Cut back on the salt! As a direct contributor to hypertension and a host of other vascular issues, added salt should only be used with caution, if at all. Processed foods have loads of salt, as do many of the foods on restaurant menus. Ask for low salt alternatives when eating out. Read labels. Be aware.”

Join us for a free heart seminar today in Boise: New Treatments for A-fib

St. Luke's cardiology experts are presenting seminars throughout February to bring you the knowledge you need to keep your heart—and your health—going strong. See the full schedule.

About The Author

Anna Fritz is a writer and editor with St. Luke’s Communications and Marketing.