Lose Weight by Reducing Salt By Victoria C S Wills

Weight loss stories in the press at the moment seem to be paying a lot of attention to salt. The reason for that is that salt plays a big part in your health and it's hidden all over the place.

Let's start by thinking about what salt is. Salt is a dietary mineral composed primarily of sodium and chloride. Sodium is an electrolyte, needed to regulate the water content of the body. Sodium maintains normal blood pressure. Sodium keeps nerves and muscles working properly for optimum health. Salt cravings may be experienced if you have a deficiency of sodium chloride or another mineral deficiency.

However, many food products contain salt. The hidden salt in our meals means that a lot of us are eating far too much salt on a day to day basis. This can increase the risk of health problems, including hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension increases the chance of heart disease and stroke, osteoporosis and oedema (fluid retention).

General advice is that adults should eat no more than 6 g of salt (2.4g sodium) a day.However, those suffering with heart problems should aim to reduce their intake to less than 5 g of salt (2.0 g sodium) per day. Of course it is advisable to check this with your GP.

Reducing your salt intake reduces your risk of stroke and it reduces your risk of heart disease.

Check the label to see how much salt is in the food per 100g. If only the amount of sodium is given, multiply this by 2.5 to find out the salt level. As a guide:

• 25 grams of salt per 100 grams is a lot.
• 25 grams of salt per 100 grams is a little.
• 5 grams of sodium per 100 grams is a lot.
• 1 grams of sodium per 100 grams is a little.

High levels are often found in processed foods such as soups, pies, ready-meals and bacon but it is important to note that salt may also come from the flavouring monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in several products.

Tips for cutting down your salt intake:

• Avoid using salt at the table. Most people salt their food without even tasting it first.
• To flavour foods use herbs and spices as an alternative.
• Use soya sauce cautiously (1tsp contains 1200mg sodium).
• Buy tinned food in its natural juice, without added salt.
• Buy reduced salt versions of food.

About the Author:
Victoria C S Wills is a world famous expert in Weight Loss and she works with you to ensure your success. If you would like your FREE personal weight loss report from Victoria please come to http://www.nubeginningsfrance.com and tell Victoria a little about yourself.

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