$Unique_ID{BRK01286}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{In Which Food Products is There Hidden Salt?}
$Subject{blood pressure diet salt food foods sodium salty monosodium glutamate
msg phosphate disodium alginate hypertension diets nutrition nutritions
community social}
$Volume{G-26,Q-26}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


In Which Food Products is There Hidden Salt?


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QUESTION:  I am trying to control my mildly elevated blood pressure by doing
all the right things.  I have finally started to take off those extra pounds
and get a bit more exercise.  I have also been cautioned to watch my salt
intake, but I don't add any extra salt to my food.  An associate tells me
there is salt hidden in a lot of food products.  Can you help me identify
these foods, so that I may avoid them?

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ANSWER:  Baked goods, canned, processed and frozen foods are all hidden
sources of sodium.  Sodium is the mineral in salt that can contribute to high
blood pressure, particularly in individuals who are "sensitive" to this
element.  Although you do not add salt to your foods, you may be eating salty
snacks.  You should learn to read labels carefully.  Ingredients are listed in
order of their weight in the food item.  Should salt or sodium be at the
beginning of the ingredient list, it means there are significant amounts in
the food, and you should restrict the amounts of that food preparation you
consume, or just not eat any at all.
     Look for and beware of sodium compounds, including monosodium glutamate
(MSG), baking soda and baking powder.
     Avoid bacon, sausage, ham, cold cuts, and most bottled salad dressings,
as they are high in sodium nitrate.  Other "hidden" sodium sources are
quick-cooking cereals and processed cheese--which are high in di-sodium
phosphate.
     Ice cream and chocolate milk often contain disodium alginate, which gives
them a smooth texture.  Sodium hydroxide is used to soften the skins of olives
and other vegetables.
     Another form of salt--sodium propionate--is used in breads, cakes, and
some cheeses to inhibit mold.
     Dried fruits are often high in sodium sulfate.  Besides cutting down on
salt, you are already doing some of the other things that can keep your
hypertension in check.  A moderate exercise program, finding new ways of
reducing mental and emotional stress, and losing those excess pounds will all
help you beat your blood pressure problem.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.