Pledge to Reduce the Sodium that you Eat

On behalf of our community partner in helping us to promote good nutrition, The American Heart Association, we are hoping that everyone would take a moment to complete the online sodium pledge. It only takes a second and can make a huge difference!

Click HERE to take the pledge

Please make your voice heard…We are taking this pledge to the food manufacturers and you can HELP!

Salt is also known as sodium chloride and is used to flavor, preserve, bind, and stabilize our food. While a small about of sodium is critical to the human body in order to conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax our muscles, and maintain water and mineral balance, many Americans consume too much. Too much sodium in our diets can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

How Much Salt Should We Consume?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg/day, however Americans consume an average of 3,500 mg each day (not including the extra salt we add to our foods at the table!)

At-risk individuals, such as people over 50, those with elevated blood pressure or diabetes, and African Americans should limit their sodium intake to 1,500 mg/day, however it would be beneficial for everyone to reduce their intake of sodium.

Original Article: http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/pledge/