References used for all of the nutrient pages can be found at the bottom of the Nutrition Facts page. Click here.
How Much Sodium Do I Need?
AI for Adults 18-50 is 1500 mg/d
AI for Adults 51-70 is 1300 mg/d
AI for Adults >70 is 1200 mg/d
Upper Safe Limit for Adults is 2300 mg/d
Adequate Intake (AI) is developed when there is not enough scientific data to establish a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
Why Do I Need Sodium?
Sodium maintains normal fluid and electrolyte balance, assists in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contractions
The minimum requirement for sodium is thought to be between 180-500 mg per day but most Americans consume closer to 3500 mg/d
How to Avoid Excess Sodium
High sodium diets have been associated with high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and osteoporosis
The naturally occurring sodium in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds is not a problem
Problems occur when a diet is heavy in processed food, fast food and restaurant meals
The best way to avoid excess sodium is to cook for yourself whenever possible using fresh ingredients and low sodium convenience foods
Herbs, spices, lemon and vinegar can add flavor without the sodium found in salt
Always check the nutrition facts labels on packaged foods and look for foods that contain no sodium or the lowest sodium you can find
A "low sodium" food by definition contains <140 mg of sodium per serving
Some high sodium foods to limit include: table salt, sea salt, soy sauce, Bragg amino acids, canned soups, frozen meals, alternative meat products like Tofurky and Gardein, BBQ sauce, chips, crackers, bread and some cereals
Links
Please check out the following links related to sodium:
Sodium
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