Want to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and more?
Cut the salt.
A small amount of sodium is needed to maintain health, however, in some people, too much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, about six million, or roughly 20 percent of adult Canadians have high blood pressure (hypertension), the leading risk for death in the world, the number one risk factor for stroke, and a major risk factor for heart disease. A further 20% of Canadian adults have pre-hypertension, when blood pressure is elevated above normal but not to the level considered to be classified as high.
The good news is that reducing your salt intake can lower your blood pressure and the risk of disease.
You can eat less salt by:
- Eating less processed foods.
- Limiting eating at restaurants and fast food outlets.
- Add little or no salt to foods when cooking.
- Remove the salt shaker from the table.