Where Do We Consume the Most Sodium? You May Be Surprised!
12:53 PM
Nine out of 10 Americans consume more sodium than they need, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No one should eat more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, equal to about a teaspoon of salt, health officials say - but the average American actually consumes closer to 3,300 milligrams a day.
Too much sodium raises risk for high blood pressure, leading to heart disease and stroke. More than 800,000 people die each year from these and other vascular diseases, says the CDC.
Where does all the sodium come from? According to the report, more than 40 percent of all Americans' sodium intake comes from only 10 types of foods. Most are processed foods, which contain sodium that can't be removed. Keep reading to see the countdown of foods that account for most of the nation's sodium consumption, with tips from registered dietitian Amy Jamieson-Petonic, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and director of coaching at the Cleveland Clinic.
Remember there are other foods that may contain more sodium per serving than the foods in this list; this is a representation of where we are consuming sodium from most regularly. Always be sure to read the food label to see how much sodium is in the foods you consume. Also look through our blog for articles with tips to lower sodium content in your diet.
10. Salty Snacks
Savory snacks such as chips and pretzels account for 3.1 percent of all sodium consumption. The report recommends checking the Nutrition Facts label on snacks - a bag of potato chips can contain sodium in amounts ranging from 50 to 200 milligrams. Jamieson-Petonic suggests whole-grain pita and hummus made from olive oil and garbanzo beans as an alternative.
9. Meat Mixed Dishes
Meat mixed dishes, such as meatloaf with tomato sauce, account for 3.2 percent of all sodium consumption. Avoid processed meals, and when cooking, Jamieson-Petonic suggests using garlic or onion powder instead of salt as seasoning.
8. Pasta Mixed Dishes
Pasta mixed dishes, such as spaghetti with meat sauce, account for 3.3 percent of sodium consumed. Jamieson-Petonic recommends choosing 100 percent whole-grain pasta with low-sodium sauce, or making your own with fresh herbs and tomatoes. The report shows canned pasta can contain up to 980 milligrams of sodium.
7. Cheese
Cheese accounts for 3.8 percent of all sodium consumption. Jamieson-Petonic warns that cheese in general tends to be very high in sodium, so try to pick the lowest sodium cheese available. According to the report, one slice of American cheese contains between 330 and 460 milligrams of sodium.
6. Sandwiches
Sandwiches, including burgers, account for 4 percent of all sodium consumption. One cheeseburger can contain up to 1,690 milligrams of sodium - more than the recommended daily intake of 1,500 grams. Jamieson-Petonic advises sticking with lower sodium breads and lunch meats and avoiding high-sodium condiments such as mustard, mayo, or other sauces.
5. Soups
Soups account for 4.3 percent of all sodium consumption. Avoid canned soups - make your own, Jamieson-Petonic, says. The report shows sodium contents vary greatly across products, however, so choose wisely - one cup of canned chicken noodle soup can contain between 100 and 940 milligrams of sodium.
4. Poultry
Poultry accounts for 4.5 percent of all sodium consumption. Jamieson-Petonic says to stick with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that do not have any added seasonings on them. According to the report, boneless, skinless chicken breasts contain between 40 and 330 milligrams of sodium. What about chicken strips at a restaurant? Those can have up to 900 milligrams of sodium, the report says.
3. Pizza
Pizza accounts for 4.9 percent of all sodium consumption. Both frozen and restaurant pizzas contain high levels of sodium. To minimize sodium content, Jamieson-Petonic recommends avoiding salty meats such as pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham and ground beef; and choosing sodium-free toppings instead, such as fresh mushrooms, peppers, onions, broccoli, or pineapple. Also ask for low-sodium sauce and cheese if available, she says.
2. Cold Cuts and Cured Meats
Cold cuts and cured meats account for 5.1 percent of all sodium consumption. Jamieson-Petonic says these foods are packed with sodium because it is used as a preservative. Avoid meats such as salami, bologna, and pimento loaf, she says. Instead, choose low sodium meats that have low sodium on the label.
1. Breads and Rolls
What's the No. 1 source of sodium in the American diet? Bread. Accounting for 7.4 percent of all sodium consumption, breads and rolls add a lot of sodium to one's diet - probably because they're used in so many meals. One slice of white bread can contain up to 230 milligrams of sodium, according to the report. Jamieson-Petonic recommends finding bread with less than 150 milligrams of sodium per slice.
Article “Sodium Overkill: Top 10 Culprits in U.S. Diet” by Monica DyBuncio. Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8334-504763_162-57372556-10391704/sodium-overkill-top-10-culprits-in-u.s-diet/#ixzz1lj3mOK3W
Best Teen Diets recommends healthy well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for teens, parents and educators that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for teens. Stay tuned for the re-launch of www.bestteendiets.org coming soon.
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