Mahaska Health Partnership Educates on Sodium in Your Child’s Diet
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Many foods found in today’s grocery stores are processed and packed with salt. While the body needs 500 mg of sodium daily to function, over-consumption can lead to many health issues. It is especially crucial to monitor your child’s salt intake to protect them from chronic health issues later on in life.
Salt is a common ingredient in many foods, some of which you may not think of. Over-consumption of salt can lead to a number of health issues throughout life, including high blood pressure. It is recommended by the USDA that everyone should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams, or about 1 teaspoon per day.
It is especially important for children to be closely monitored for excess salt intake. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), higher sodium intake in children and teens is linked to higher blood pressure, which is a leading factor for heart disease and stroke among adults. By lowering salt intake, the risk for high blood pressure can be reduced.
“The more salt a child consumes, the more they prefer it, which will lead them to higher consumption throughout life,” MHP Registered Dietitian Lea Rice stressed. “By limiting the amount of salt they have in meals you provide, you can lower their risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and stroke.”
Sodium is hiding in many everyday items people eat. “Condiments such as soy sauce, ketchup and salad dressings are usually high in sodium,” Rice explained. “Many frozen foods and pre-packaged box dinners boast high sodium content even if they claim to be healthy. It’s important to pay attention to the Nutrition Facts when making choices.”
The top culprits for salt in people aged two to nineteen are pizza, bread, poultry, cold cuts and cured meat, sandwiches, savory snacks, soups, cheese, and mixed pasta dishes.
Rice suggested cooking at home on a regular basis to avoid excess salt. “I understand how hectic life has become for the average family. Even if it’s putting something together and leaving it in the slow-cooker all day, you can control the ingredients and reduce your family’s salt intake.”
Eating fresh and incorporating more fruits and vegetables was another tip offered by Rice. “The less your food is processed, the more control you have. Consider trying new herbs for seasoning, rather than salt. Garlic, vinegar, lemon juice or no-salt seasoning mixes are great tools for beginners to try out. There’s no better time than right now to modify your family’s eating habits. The trick is to create a plan that’s individualized to your specific needs.”
As a Registered Dietitian, Rice provides one-on-one consultations to teach healthy eating habits. She works with patients of all ages and tailors her recommendations to their personal needs. To schedule a consultation with Rice, call 641.672.3303.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, look us up on the web: mahaskahealth.org.
