Wellness Wednesday

February is American Heart Month.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure is often the culprit in cardiovascular diseases.  A high sodium intake increases the likelihood of high blood pressure.  On average, people should consume no more than 2,300 mg of salt a day, but Americans routinely consume 3,300 mg.  Those with health problems might even need to limit their intake to 1,500 mg.

The CDC identified the 10 foods that tend to make up 40% of our salt consumption.  They are:

1. breads and rolls
2. cold cuts and cured meats
3. fresh and processed poultry
4. soups
5. sandwiches
6. cheese
7. pasta dishes
8. meat mixed dishes (such as meatloaf with tomato sauce)
9. snacks (chips, pretzels, popcorn)