Salt diet is a diet to regulate the amount of salt intake consumed. This diet is important for anyone, both adults and children. This is because a salt diet is useful for preventing various diseases, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
When on a salt diet, you are advised to limit the consumption of foods that contain a lot of salt or sodium, such as fast food or snacks fast food, frozen foods, snacks and processed meats, canned soups, cheeses, cereals, and breads.
Instead you can eat healthier foods, such as a variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, meat, and low-fat dairy.
Benefits and Dangers of Salt
Salt consists of two types of minerals that also function as electrolytes, namely sodium and chloride. The function of these two substances is to control blood pressure, maintain body fluid levels, and support muscle and nerve performance.
However, excessive salt intake can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure and uncontrolled over time can cause complications such as stroke or heart disease.
When the body has excess salt, the kidneys adjust the fluid levels in the blood, causing blood volume and pressure to increase. This makes the heart have to work harder to supply fresh blood to the body.
In addition, high salt levels can also cause fluid buildup in the bodies of people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and kidney disease, as well as causing impaired nerve function. This is the reason why a salt diet needs to be done for a healthier life.
How to do a salt diet
Not only by limiting the consumption of salty foods, you also need to regulate the amount of salt intake more carefully. When on a salt diet, it is recommended that you limit your salt intake to no more than 5-6 grams of sodium per day or the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of salt and MSG.
So that the amount of salt intake is not excessive, you can do the following tips:
- Reduce the use of salt when cooking. Instead, you can use seasonings or food ingredients that have a natural or umami savory taste, such as onions, ginger, mushrooms, seaweed, nuts, and fish.
- When shopping for processed foods, read product packaging labels carefully. Choose foods that are low in sodium or sodium.
- Eat more fresh foods, such as vegetables and fruits, because these foods contain less salt. If you want to eat meat, choose fresh meat instead of processed meat, such as corned beef or sausage.
- Limit the use of condiments or sauces that contain sodium, such as soy sauce, salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, and soy sauce.
- When ordering food at a restaurant or via on line, ask the food presenter to reduce the salt, flavoring, or sauce.
Remember, don't get me wrong. A salt diet doesn't mean you need to stay away from salt altogether. If your salt intake is too low, it can also cause you to develop certain health problems, such as hyponatremia or iodine deficiency.
By implementing a salt diet, your body's health will be maintained and salt intake in the body can become more balanced. If you have certain health problems or find it difficult to stick to a salt diet, try to consult a doctor.
