The Low-Salt Life

http://thelowsaltlife.blogspot.com/2015/07/iodine-in-low-salt-diet.html

Are you missing Iodine by eating low sodium foods?

The Low-Salt Life: Iodine in a Low-Salt Diet http://thelowsaltlife.blogspot.com/2015/07/iodine-in-low-salt-diet.html

Happy Independence Day!

Cucumber season is gearing up! They taste great on their own, mixed in a salad, or served with a dip. Pickled varieties are delicious, but are usually high in sodium.

3.5 ounces of fresh cucumbers contain 0 mg of sodium, 140 mg of potassium, 2% DV of Vitamin A, and 10% DV of Vitamin C. Calcium, fiber, magnesium, and Vitamin K are also found in cucumbers. Like other vegetables, the peeling is where the nutrients are most abundant.

Cucumbers do have a high water content. In fact, about 96% of a cucumber's weight is water. Take this into consideration if you have to watch your fluid intake.

In the meantime, if anyone has any low-salt pickle recipes, please share!

Sources: FDA, USDA

Greetings from the beach! Plenty of salt here!

Why are low-salt diets prescribed? To prevent fluid retention.

How? Simply put: Fluid follows salt. When you eat a lot of salt, you will retain fluid.

If you have Congestive Heart failure, Kidney disease (especially if you are on dialysis), high blood pressure, and other conditions, too much fluid can make your condition worse. Fluid retention can make it hard to breathe, raise your blood pressure, and place extra work on your heart and kidneys.

Sodium is vital to bodily and cellular processes. So some salt is needed, but not in excess.

Check with your provider to see what your daily sodium intake should be.

For more information please check out the American Heart Association (heart.org) and the National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org).

Orange juice is a great way to start your day! It's naturally sodium free and tastes great! Most now come with Vitamin D and calcium. Be sure to read the nutrition label of your favorite brand to make sure they don't add any salt or other flavors.