The Low-Salt Diet

('Low-Sodium' Or 'Salt-Free' Diet)

Salt (sodium chloride) is a mineral consisting of two elements, sodium and chlorine. Salt contains approximately 2,300 mg. of sodium per flat teaspoon and as a low-salt diet may be designed to give only 500-1500mg. in the whole day it is obvious how important salt control is.

A label on food saying 'No added salt' does not mean it is necessarily suitable for all the diets, as the food may contain sodium in some other form.

Sodium occurs in bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, cake and pudding mixtures, self-raising flour, Scofa bread and flour, and many other preparations which contain bicarbonate of soda or baking powder, Many people also use bicarbonate (even washing soda is not unknown) in cooking vegetables.

How the Normal Diet is Modified

Various degrees of salt restriction may be prescribed, the most common being to forbid the use of all salt at table and all foods with a high sodium content, and to allow little or no salt in cooking.

A more strict control allows no salt at all in cooking, and foods allowed are selected from those with a very low salt content.

The latter diet is seldom used for very long periods, as it is so unpalatable to most people; also, modern medical treatment is making the use of very restricted diets less necessary.

Because sodium occurs naturally in most foods, it is impossible to have a natural diet which really is a 'salt-free' one.

Note. Your doctor will say which modification is needed and his instructions should be followed carefully.

Similar of The Low-Salt Diet

Diet for Blood Disorders and Diseases

The most common among the blood disorders among the rich and poor is high blood pressure or hypertension. In the advanced countries about one in six citizens

Diet and Cancer

Experts who study the causes of cancer believe that a large number of cancer deaths could be prevented by making sensible changes to our diet. In fact, many

Cancer and Diet

Experts W110 study the causes of cancer believe that a large number of cancer deaths could be prevented by making sensible changes to our diet. In fact, many

Diet for Convalescents

For patients recovering from emergency medical conditions and accidents , a diet for speeding up recuperation is required . This diet avoids very rich and

Diets With Modified or Low Anitmal-Fat Content

How the Normal Diet is Modified The normal diet is modified by reducing the amount of fats such as meat fat, milk, cream and butter, margarine, cooking fat,

Diet for Cardio-Vascular Diseases

Numerous population and health studies since the 1950s have confirmed that diet is a major force in both the cause and prevention of cardio-vascular diseases.

Special Diet for Fevers and Infection

In the early stages give fluids only, not more than 200 to 250 gms at a time, at approximately two-hourly intervals to give about 3 litres in twenty-four hours

Topics:

• Diet & Nutrition