Too Much of a Good Thing

How much salt (sodium chloride NaCl) does the human body require? A generally agreed upon amount required is 1.5g (1500mg). Is the consumption of more than 1.5g unhealthy? It depends upon a person’s physiology. Some individuals can safely consume up to 2.3g (2300mg) daily. So it becomes a matter of choice. But does it really?

Since I only buy 'no salt added' or 'low salt' processed foods I can’t go to my pantry and pull out examples of high sodium processed foods. Go, however, to any restaurant menu on-line, look up the nutrition information and you will see, if you choose to eat out, you have little choice.

A single slice from a 14 inch Meat Lover’s® pizza from Pizza Hut contains between 1180mg and 1210mg of sodium. Who eats only one slice? I have stopped going to Applebee’s even though I like their selections and prices. There are at least three items on their menu that top 5000mg of sodium. The vast majority meets or exceeds the 2300mg maximum sodium content for an entire day, and for someone who needs to maintain 1500mg, forget it. How about fast food from the local burger joint? This may be a safer choice; McDonald’s offers a plain hamburger for 550mg sodium, but watch out for the Angus Bacon and Cheeseburger at 2070mg. Burger King offers the Whopper Jr. without mayonnaise at 440mg sodium. Wendy’s has a Jr. Hamburger with 480mg sodium. At all three locations you must be careful of breakfast offering and salads. Frozen entrées from the three leading manufacturers average between 550mg and 700mg of sodium. Don’t even ask about full meals, some can have sodium content exceeding 1000mg.

So what got me started on this particular tirade? It is not just the health problems associated with excess sodium; I am concerned about my appearance as well. When I look in the mirror on the morning after a nice meal at a nice restaurant I look like a blimp. Water retention causes me to gain weight and look fat. I can always add salt at the table if I choose, so why must chefs and food manufacturers add so much in preparation?

The best way to bring about change is to squeeze the bottom line. If you agree with me, vote with your wallet. Stop buying products where you are paying top dollar for such a cheap ingredient, and one, that in excess, can be harmful to your health.

Live long and prosper!