An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal points out that a whopping 80% of worldwide sodium consumption is from intake of processed foods in developed countries. They are calling for immediate action on the part of governments to crack down on salt consumption because diets containing excessive sodium is associated with high blood pressure, heart and vascular disease, even stomach cancer, among other disorders. Worldwide approximately 1 billion adults have hypertension. The authors state that any national policy should focus on reformulating processed foods, consumer education, clear food labeling, and setting time lines to meet these goals. In addition, health care professionals should give extra attention in guiding patients about healthy choices in reducing sodium consumption. Has your physician ever talked to you regarding decreasing your salt intake? [via Medical News Today]
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:28 am
One must be very careful when eliminating sodium from diet. Sodium is critical to the body’s abillity to cool itself and to regulate other systems in the body. A balance of sodium is required to maintain kidney and bladder functions and signaling between other organs of the body. Equally as important, sodium is an electrolyte performs the conduit for signaling through the nervous system.
Sodium is just as important to the body as any other food but, balance must be maintained.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Though I live in a very hot climate and understand the importance of sodium in the diet, amounts of sodium we get in restaurants or any processed food is way more than anyone needs. Not only is it unhealthy, I find it distasteful and alarmingly dangerous. No one seems to be very worried about it and this is even more concerning. I always thought the salt shaker on the table was for those who wanted more salt. What can an individual do other than avoid restaurants and processed foods? I want to see changes made.
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:46 am
OK one of you girls need to each Dr Chang how to spell. There is
a very condiderable difference between Massaging someone and
and Messaging them. To not know the difference is just plain ignorant and destroys any credibility Dr. chang might enjoy as an educated scientist. He does not know the difference between his prostate and his cell phone. How do you message a prostate gland ? Get real Stupid !