Sodium: Where It Hides and How to Cut Back

Sodium helps the body function, but many people eat more than they need. Most of it comes from packaged and restaurant foods rather than the salt shaker.

Where it hides

Bread, deli meats, canned soups, sauces, frozen meals, pizza and snacks like chips.

How to cut back

• Compare the sodium number on labels and pick the lower one
• Rinse canned beans and vegetables
• Cook more meals at home so you control the salt
• Season with herbs, garlic, lemon, pepper and spices
• Use %Daily Value as a guide: 5% or less is low, 20% or more is high

Give your taste buds time

Taste preferences adjust over a few weeks, so food that seems bland at first often tastes fine later. If you have high blood pressure or another condition, follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. See our Disclaimer.