Reducing your salt (sodium) intake

Salt is found in almost every food we eat, but the amount varies. Foods such as meat, vegetables and fruit have naturally occurring salt present in very small quantities.

In food manufacturing, salt is used for flavouring and as a preservative. Most of our salt (75%) comes from packaged and processed foods such as bread, breakfast cereals and cereal products, processed meats, soups, sauces and spreads.

The best ways to eat a low sodium diet is to ensure your diet is made up:

• Plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains
• Variety of healthy protein sources including fish and seafood, lean meat and poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds
• Healthy fat choices with nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and their oils for cooking
• Herbs and spices to flavour foods, instead of adding salt
• Avoid drinks with added salt such as many soft drinks, mineral waters, energy drinks and cordials.

Article by Corinne Cox (APD, Evolve Nutrition and Health Solutions and MOW NSW)