Some opt for cupcakes, while the rest reach for the Pringles. The desire to pass the salt may be thanks to mom and dad, since sodium preference is influenced by genetic makeup (in rats, at least)
Salty Situation — The Need-to-Know
It’s no secret that salt can boost food’s flavor factor. And in small pinches, salt isn’t only tasty — it’s important for the body. Table salt (or what we like to shake all over the kitchen) is made of 40 percent sodium, an electrolyte that helps balance fluids in the body. Water tends to move to higher concentrations of sodium, so the more sodium, the more water the body retains. But too much sodium can put more than a bad taste in our mouths
(Don’t) Pass the Salt — Your Action Plan
Many foods have more salt than we may realize. (We’re lookin at you,Cheerios.) And since salt helps preserve food — not to mention making what’s on the dinner plate taste even better — it can be hard to cut back. In certain cases, salt may even be addictive
- Watch for sneaky sources. Read the ingredient list carefully. Substances like monosodium glutamate (MSG), baking soda, disodium phosphate, and sodium benzoate contain high amounts of sodium. And this salty culprit can be found where we least expect it too, like condiments, cheese, and baked goods
Salt intakes around the world: implications for public health. Brown, I.J., Tzoulaki, I, Candeias, V., et al. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK. The International Journal of Epidemiology, 2009 Jun;38(3):791-813. . So pay attention to what’s really on the plate before it’s licked cleaned.
- Know the packaging. Beware of “reduced sodium” products, which only means the sodium has been reduced about 25 percent from the “full sodium” versions. Reduced sodium soups can still pack nearly 500 mg of sodium per serving!
- Eat fresh. Sodium is often added to processed foods. Fresh fruits and veggies, on the other hand, are naturally low in sodium, so try to make them a main part of the diet. Choose fresh meat versus lunch meat, or opt for low-sodium options.
- Fuel right. Excessive sweating also rids the body of salt, which can also cause cravings. A quick fix? Opt for some low or no-calorie Gatorade or other electrolyte-enhanced beverage to replace lost electrolytes (especially after exercising for more than one hour or when it’s extra hot and humid outside)
Water deprivation and the double- depletion hypothesis: common neural mechanisms underlie thirst and salt appetite. De Luca L., Vendramini, R.C., Pereira, D.T., et al. Departamento de Fisiologia e Patologia, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brasil. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 2007 May;40(5):707-12. Sweat rates, sweat sodium concentrations, and sodium losses in 3 groups of professional football players.Godek, S.F., Peduzzi, C., Burkholder, R., et al. HEAT Institute, West Chester University, PA. Journal of Athletic Training, 2010 Jul-Aug;45(4):364-71. .
- Don’t be fooled. Sea salt and kosher salt may be all the rage, but they contain the same amount of sodium as table salt. And while table salt (aka “iodized salt”) also offers a daily dose of iodine, an essential mineral that helps control metabolism and thyroid function, most types of sea and kosher salts don’t!
- Leave it out. Cooking? Skip the salt. Use fresh herbs or other substitutes to spice up a meal instead. Try making soup from scratch rather than going for the canned versions, which can be soaked in sodium.
- Cut back slowly. The taste for salt is acquired, so we can learn to love it a little less. Gradually decrease the amount of salt from a diet, and the taste buds will adjust — maybe even within the week!