To Your Health
June, 2024 (Vol. 18, Issue 06) |
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Ease Off the Table Salt
By Editorial Staff
Too much sodium contributes to high blood pressure, which elevates your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Unfortunately, most restaurant fare, fast foods, and pre-packaged foods – the type Americans increasingly eat – are absolutely overflowing with sodium.
If you're not willing to change any of the above eating habits, another way you can help moderate your sodium intake is by limiting your use of table salt, which some people sprinkle copiously on just about every meal. Another benefit beyond its impact on blood pressure, according to new research, is a reduced risk of gastric (stomach) cancer.
Researchers evaluated the potential association by asking study participants about their frequency of adding salt to food and measuring 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. They then tracked gastric cancer cases among participants for nearly 11 years, finding that gastric cancer risk was significantly lower among participants who reported adding salt to table food "never/rarely" compared to "always."
The takeaway: Too much salt is bad for you! Whether it's already in the food you eat or you add it to foods, sodium intake can easily get out of control and put your health at risk. Two ways to make a positive difference: Limit the foods that are prepared away from home; and with the food you do prepare – ease off the table salt!
