Article Categories
» Arts & Entertainment
» Automotive
» Business
» Careers & Jobs
» Education & Reference
» Finance
» Food & Drink
» Health & Fitness
» Home & Family
» Internet & Online Businesses
» Miscellaneous
» Self Improvement
» Shopping
» Society & News
» Sports & Recreation
» Technology
» Travel & Leisure
» Writing & Speaking

  Listed Article

  Category: Articles » Health & Fitness » Diseases & Conditions » Article
 

The benefits of a Low Sodium Lifestyle




By Betty Ziegler

A low sodium, low salt diet shouldn't be a burden at all! Personally, I have kept to an "under 1000mg" a day diet with out giving up much but fast food (and who misses that anyway?)

When I was first told that my blood pressure was high ( 160/95) and labeled as having hypertension, I decided at that moment to do some serious research into what had created this "new-to-me" health concern. I wanted to find a permanent solution to lower the numbers to an acceptable, healthy range without taking medication.

As I reflected on where I was in life at the moment, mid-life, not overweight, but not exercising regularly either, I began making small changes in my day-to-day lifestyle.

First, I bought a nutritional handbook that lists most foods and their nutritional content. I decided to try and stay under 500mg of sodium daily. This took some work, but it paid off very well. I had lowered my count to 150/89 in two weeks. But my doctor still was concerned and wanted to see me begin medication, so I went back to the drawing table. And I put off the decision to going on medication for another 30 days.

I found that magnesium is an excellent combatant for excess sodium. I added figs, sunflower seeds and other magnesium rich foods to my daily intake. Yes, this was working, I was now at 140/85. And dropping. Dropping.

Now, when I added a daily aerobic routine of 30 minutes each day I was really making progress. Three months out and I was reading 135/79. Huge advances!

Did I mention that all this time I rarely ate out? When I did find myself in a restaurant, ordering was tricky, but not impossible. Nervous that salt would be added to anything prepared, I would order a salad, no cheese and oil and vinegar on the side. Boring, boring, boring.

I was feeling so good and healthy I began to slip a little, just a little. I ate out a little more often, still I didn't cook with salt at all, but I abandoned my daily "health breakfast" for pancakes and granola. (I was eating slow-cook oatmeal with figs and seeds topped with soymilk every morning, and loving this tasty creation) I actually forgot about my grand plan. Then, I had my bp read. I was climbing. And I knew that I needed to get back on track, and fast.

Having a culinary background, I cook most everything my family eats. This includes all breads, sauces, everything. And you know what I discovered? Food tastes BETTER with little or NO salt. You can actually TASTE the good food. I have posted many of our favorite recipes at Low Salt Recipes at Cooking-for-Compliments.com. And daily updates are added with new and exciting recipes for successful low sodium cooking. So, now, 10 months out and feeling great. I'm a steady 135/75 and holding! I adhere strictly to under 1000mg of sodium daily, and walk everyday for at least 45 minutes.

I eat well, get outside often and I am enjoying life. It was just a matter of thinking in a new direction, and taking action.

Certainly, you need to consult your doctor with any medical concerns you may have. This article is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Lowering your salt intake is a first step in treating hypertension, and I hope to provide you with delicious recipes to help you obtain your goals, too.

To your health!
Betty
 
 
About the Author
Betty Ziegler is the writing host for Cooking-for-Compliments.com B@cooking-for-compliments.com http://www.cooking-for-compliments.com/low-sodium.html

Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/39852.html
 
If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/39852.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked.



  Some other articles by Betty Ziegler
Shaking the Salt Habit - a Low Sodium Appproach to a Low Salt Diet
Congratulations! You have taken the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. First things first, though. Remove that salt shaker from your table and replace it with Mrs. Dash seasoning or a blend of your ...

  
  Recent Articles
8 Choices You Must Make to Live Successfully with Chronic Illness
by Lisa Copen

Why You Need To Know About Stress And Cold Sores
by Robert H Black

What are the Symptoms of Cold Sores?
by Robert H Black

Why You Should Be Wary Of Staph Infection?
by Dean Caporella

Why You Shouldn't Delay In Seeking Treatment For GERD
by Dean Caporella

Stop Smoking Products-Patch: Acquiring Smoking Cessation Help
by Javier Fuller

Do You Qualify For Lasik Eye Surgery?
by Dean Caporella

Why Asthma Medication Can Save Your Life!
by Dean Caporella

Protecting Your Family from the Avian Flu
by Christopher Smith

The Truth about High Cholesterol being a Risk Factor of Heart Disease
by John Goh

Sleep Apnea Effects In Overweight Children
by Nishanth Reddy

A Natural Cure for Panic Attack Problems is Best for Your Health
by Remy Jirek

There is no such thing as a good or bad stretch? Its all in how you do it…
by Brad Walker, Exercise Scientist & Sports Trainer

Prevent Back Pain - Four ways
by Alwyn Beikoff

Increase Your Sperm Count and Increase the Chance of Pregnancy
by Angela Reynolds

What is Sacro-Iliac Joint Dysfunction?
by Dr. Robert V. Duvall, DPT, MPT, ATC, MGFI

"Play Better Golf When You Have A Better Back"
by Dr. Robert V. Duvall

Can't connect to database