Research Says: Rethinking Sodium
A new Canadian study says excess salt may not have the adverse health risks we once thought.
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Though the current Dietary Guidelines recommend that people consume 2,300 milligrams (2.3 grams) or less of sodium per day — the equivalent of about 1 teaspoon of table salt — most Americans eat nearly twice that much.
However, according to new research, this isn’t such a biggie: A Canadian study found that there was no increased health risk for people who consumed 3 to 5 grams of sodium daily and that issues such as stroke and high blood pressure were associated with a daily sodium consumption in excess of 5 grams.
What does 5 grams of sodium look like? Think: an entire large, frozen pizza or a chicken-bacon wrap with cheese and ranch dressing.
That being said, excess sodium can cause bloating and electrolyte imbalances, so keep on eating clean, Oxy Sisters, and use herbs, spices and salt substitutes whenever possible.