How to Avoid High Sodium Foods
It is not necessary to eliminate salt from your diet. You can still enjoy a wide variety of tasty foods without the high sodium content. The key is to choose the right types of foods. A few of these examples are processed meats, canned goods, and cheese. In addition, you can opt for low-sodium tomato juice and paste. Choosing low-sodium meat and dairy products will also save you money and time.
Among the many foods that are low in sodium are: fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain pasta. Nuts contain healthy fats and are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, they are packed with antioxidants, which fight free radical damage and combat the negative effects of sodium. If you are unsure how to cut down on sodium, read this article to learn about some of the best options.
While it’s impossible to eliminate all sodium in your diet, you can make your choices healthier. Check the sodium content on food labels and choose foods that are lower in sodium per serving. Processed meats should be avoided in addition to fresh meat, which contains lower sodium. However, fresh meat may contain saline solution, which is not healthy. Consult a registered dietitian for advice about reducing sodium intake and managing blood pressure.
Below are the high sodium foods to take note:
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- Smoked
- Cured
- Salted
- Canned meat
- Fish
- Poultry including bacon
- Cold cuts
- Frankfurters
- Sausage
- Sardines
- Caviar
- Anchovies
- Frozen breaded meats
- Canned entrees
- Salted nuts
- Beans canned with salt added
Smoked

If you love smoked meat, you’re not alone. Smoked meats can have high sodium levels, resulting in unhealthy side effects like diarrhea and abdominal pain. There are also many risks associated with smoking foods, such as causing heart disease and obesity. You should also limit your intake of smoked meat if you have a family history of disease. And don’t forget to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
While most meat is low in sodium, smoking meats increases the amount of sodium. Smoked meats contain high levels of sodium nitrate, a preservative used to protect meat from oxidation and preserving freshness. Meats smoked with high levels of sodium are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. If you are fond of smoked meat, limit your portions and choose lean cuts. If you want a smoky taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke to marinades. You can purchase liquid smoke at your local butcher or deli.
Many smoked foods are brined in a salt solution before being smoked. The resulting liquid smoke is high in sodium and can damage organs, and can lead to overhydration. The salt in smoked foods is also high in carcinogens, by-products of chemical reactions between the meat and the brine. These chemicals are carcinogenic, and should be avoided at all costs. They can also worsen kidney, heart, and diabetes.
Cured

You may wonder how to avoid high sodium foods. Well, you can cut down your serving sizes by using low-sodium seasoning blends, frozen meals with 600 mg of sodium or less, and no-salt canned vegetables. Low-sodium canned lunchmeats are also available. Sodium-free seasoning blends are also available. If you do not wish to give up salt, you can also replace it with other substances such as vinegar or citrus juice. You may also ask for plain noodles or breads.
While most foods contain sodium naturally, some contain added salt. For example, canned soups and meats are high in sodium. Frozen dinners and processed meats are also high in sodium. You can find low-sodium snacks in grocery stores. But if you still want to eat meat, you can eat fresh or frozen meats. You can even opt for non-injected meat, which will reduce the sodium content.
Salted
Sodium is a high-calorie and salt-rich ingredient that is loaded into processed meats, frozen meals, and fast food. Studies have linked frequent consumption of high-sodium foods to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, following a low-sodium diet can reduce the risk of stomach cancer, which can also be an indicator of high-sodium intake. The following are some common foods that are high in sodium:
To cut down on sodium, cook with lemon juice or fresh herbs. You can also use citrus juices and olive oil for salad dressings. Herbs, garlic, and vinegar are all great alternatives to sodium-laden seasoning. For a delicious flavoring, try making hummus or soup from scratch with fresh herbs, or marinating meats in vinegar, honey, or ginger. These alternatives to salt are delicious and healthy alternatives.
Meat is another source of sodium. Bacon, sausage, and chopped beef are high-sodium options. If you don’t like processed meat, try low-sodium beef and poultry. Also, steer clear of cheese, processed meats, and chicken franks. Low-sodium versions of these items are good alternatives, such as chicken and turkey franks. Shellfish are high-sodium too. But don’t throw away your shrimp! Three ounces of unsalted shrimp are acceptable levels.
Canned meat
One way to reduce sodium in your diet is to consume fresh produce as much as possible. While canned meat and vegetables contain more sodium than fresh varieties, they do not necessarily qualify as high-sodium foods. Processed and preserved foods such as fast food and frozen dinners are also high-sodium. Fortunately, there are many options to reduce sodium levels. For instance, try replacing salt with spices, herbs, and seasonings that are naturally sodium-free. Canned meats should be labeled as low-sodium, no-salt-added, or reduced-sodium. Always check food labels for sodium content before purchasing.
Sodium levels in convenience foods and prepared meals can be high. For example, canned meat and poultry should be rinsed before consumption. Similarly, canned vegetables should be cooked with minimal salt. Avoid packaged mixes and frozen meals if possible. Seasoning blends can be used instead of salt to add flavor to your meals. It will take some time for your taste buds to adjust to the reduced amount of salt in your meals.
Fish
While some fish are naturally low in sodium, most are not. Some seafood is highly processed and laden with sodium. Avoid brined seafood, which is typically mixed with a solution of salt. If you eat seafood prepared in brine, you’ll be adding a lot of sodium to your diet. The following are some tips to help you choose lower-sodium seafood:
To lower sodium levels, use less salt in your cooking and reduce your salt intake. Many processed foods contain high amounts of sodium and should be avoided. When dining out, ask for less salt when possible. You can also reduce your sodium intake by substituting higher-sodium foods. Fish, chicken and vegetables are great options to replace high-sodium foods. If you do eat them, you can even eat them as snacks.
To reduce sodium intake, order a smaller portion size of high-sodium foods. You can also order them on the side and request them without any salt. Avoid cured meats and pickles, as well as seasoned croutons. If you must order a salad, ask for a dressing on the side. If you must order a steak, choose it without breading. Similarly, order plain noodles instead of stuffed ravioli.
Poultry including bacon

One of the best ways to lower your sodium intake is to cut back on the portion sizes of poultry, meat, and cured meats. You can also choose poultry that is low in sodium or has no added salt. For snack foods, choose a plain carrot or celery stick, or opt for low-sodium varieties. Be sure to rinse canned foods thoroughly before eating them. If you want to enjoy high-sodium foods, you may also try eating them in smaller portions.
Pork products, processed meats, and canned or frozen fish all contain high levels of sodium. Many of these foods can be stale and contain hidden salts. Instead of buying bacon and poultry, try avoiding processed meats. Choose low-sodium varieties of fruit, vegetables, and nuts. Be sure to choose non-salted peanut butter and dry beans. Instead of cheese, opt for low-sodium canned meats and cottage cheese.
Cold cuts

Despite the high sodium content of processed food, most people still consume too much salt, especially in prepared and packaged food. Moreover, a majority of Americans suffer from high sodium levels, which cost the health care system an estimated $270 billion annually. To combat this problem, it is vital to reduce salt intake, which is easily achieved through several strategies. Listed below are some tips to cut down on sodium in packaged food.
Limit serving sizes of processed food. Choose fresh meats instead of cured meats. Also, choose poultry over pork. Avoid salted condiments. Avoid pickles and cured meat. You can also opt for low sodium canned vegetables. Make sure that you rinse off any sodium-containing canned foods. And if you are not a meat lover, ask your waiter to serve you plain noodles instead of breaded meat.
Another method is to reduce the sodium content in canned soups. Ensure that the can contains less than 140 milligrams of sodium per serving. But, don’t worry, sourdough pretzels also have more sodium. Moreover, you can replace salted pretzels with unsalted ones. Even canned soups contain sodium-containing preservatives, so you should choose those that don’t have salt in them.
Frankfurters

Hot dogs are a great way to satisfy a craving without breaking your sodium and saturated fat limits. Most hot dogs have more than 500 milligrams of sodium, almost a quarter of your daily recommended intake. Nathan’s Famous Beef Frankfurters are 560 milligrams of sodium, while poultry hot dogs have only about 450 mg of sodium. You can also buy reduced sodium or nitrate-free versions of these hot dogs.
If you can, avoid frying meats. If you’re preparing a meal at home, you can reduce the amount of sodium by rinsing canned goods thoroughly. Besides avoiding high sodium foods like frankfurters, you should also avoid preparing these dishes in restaurants. Processed pork products, such as sausages, are notoriously high in sodium and should be avoided whenever possible.
Sausage

To lower your sodium intake, try to eat less processed meats, like bacon and sausage. These foods are high in sodium, but they are still acceptable in small amounts. Just check the Nutrition Facts label to find out how much sodium is in a serving. It’s easy to add too much salt when eating out or purchasing packaged food. Sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, so limit your intake.
Sausages, hot dogs, and bacon are all examples of processed meats, and while they are common breakfast items, they are unhealthy. Hot dogs can contain up to 23 grams of sodium and 7 grams of saturated fat per serving. Try replacing them with leaner meats or lower-sodium meats. If you absolutely can’t give up sausage or bacon, consider eating grilled veggies instead. You can also cut down on sodium by using turkey or chicken bacon instead.
Sardines

Although sardines are high in sodium, they are loaded with essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and protein. They are also packed with copper, potassium, and selenium. These components support heart health and metabolism. However, consuming sardines in excess can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses. Here are some ways to eat sardines without becoming too sodium-loaded.
Studies have shown that approximately 40% of older adults are deficient in vitamin B12. This deficiency can lead to peripheral nerve problems and poor sensory functions. People with low levels of vitamin B12 may experience falls and other disabilities. Sardines also contain high levels of sodium, which attracts water and increases the volume of blood. Because of this, people with high blood pressure should avoid eating sardines in excess, or limit their serving size. In addition, people with high blood pressure should limit their sodium intake, but they should not avoid eating them altogether.
When choosing canned sardines, choose a variety packed in olive oil or water. Sardines usually last a decent amount of time when canned. Just make sure to check the expiration date on the cans, because sardines can lose their nutrients when they are older. Therefore, if you are avoiding sardines, choose a canned product with a longer shelf life.
Caviar

A serving of caviar provides 3.20 milligrams of vitamin B-12, which is an essential nutrient for the body. Vitamin B-12 is an essential building block of nerve and blood cells, and it also plays a role in making DNA. It also helps regulate the body’s response to irritants and can reduce elevated triglyceride levels. Additionally, caviar contains small amounts of vitamin A, B-6, D, and K. However, these are not enough to prevent high blood pressure or heart disease.
While caviar is naturally salty, the curing process gives it an extra bite. A serving of 6-10% salt may seem like a lot, but you can balance it by adding lemon or other garnishes. Lemon is the traditional way to balance the salt content in caviar. Although it doesn’t need much to make it palatable, it does make a huge difference. For best results, try to use a glass spoon when serving caviar.
Anchovies

Anchovies are known for their salty, pungent taste. They are part of the herring family and are one of the foods that contain umami, the fifth taste. Umami is a lingering savory taste that goes beyond the four basic tastes, salt, sweet, sour, and bitter. Its intensity depends on how it is processed. Depending on the processing method, anchovies can have a mild or a robust umami flavor.
If you do plan to eat anchovies, it’s important to choose a fresh version over the canned variety. Canned anchovies are a convenient option because they’ve been deboned and cooked, but you should rinse them to remove excess sodium. You can also choose to prepare salted anchovies by soaking them in milk or white wine, and cooking them that way. Then, store them until you’re ready to eat them.
In general, you should try to limit your consumption of anchovies. They can add umami flavor to any dish. They can be eaten raw, but be sure to wash them thoroughly first before eating. They’re commonly found in Asian cuisine, but you may want to experiment with other kinds of anchovies before you decide to try them. A little bit of research shows that anchovies can be a healthy alternative to salted meat, so you might want to experiment with them.
Frozen breaded meats

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently published new requirements for the production of frozen raw breaded chicken products. These new requirements are meant to lower the risk of salmonellosis associated with such products. Until these requirements are in place, consumers should avoid these products and keep them away from their homes. Frozen raw breaded chicken products should be kept refrigerated and out of reach of children. If you must eat them, make sure they are labelled properly.
In July 2018, the CFIA announced new requirements for food producers to reduce salmonellae levels in products. These new requirements will come into effect on April 1, 2019. For now, however, the most effective consumer education campaign will focus on the safety of other frozen prepared food items. Public health units across Canada continue to engage in public health investigations, research, and development of education programs to promote safe food handling at home. They may be able to prevent some outbreaks by educating consumers about food safety practices.
Canned entrees

While canned foods may be convenient, you should watch your sodium intake. A can of soup, stew, or other entree can have almost as much sodium as your recommended daily intake. In addition to high sodium, some canned goods contain added sugar, BPA, and chemicals. However, there are some types of canned foods that can help you maintain a healthy diet. Here are a few examples. Keep in mind that canned goods may be high in sodium, so make sure to choose those with no added sugar.
One way to avoid canned entrees high in sodium is to limit the serving size. Canned meats and fish contain sodium, and plain frozen shrimp can be treated with sodium-rich additives. You can also avoid processed meats by choosing fresh and frozen options, and salty snacks like pork rinds and pretzels. When dining out, try to order a smaller portion, or share it with a friend.
Salted nuts

Consuming a portion of salted nuts once in a while can improve your health. They are high in calories, and a serving of salted macadamia or pistachio nuts has about 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B-1. Additionally, nuts have high levels of vitamin E, which scavenges free radicals that damage DNA. Nonetheless, there are many other reasons to eat nuts regularly.
When choosing a snack, choose unsalted alternatives to satisfy your craving for salty snacks. Unsalted varieties are available alongside full-salt varieties. This way, you can reduce the amount of sodium you consume without sacrificing flavor. While you’re at it, don’t forget about the sodium in salted nuts and other savory snacks. Those with diabetes should limit the amount of salted nuts they consume.
To lower the sodium in restaurant meals, ask for unsalted versions. Choose unsalted vegetables, soups, and canned goods, as they contain fewer sodium. Salad dressings can contain too much sodium, so make sure to ask for them on the side. Select meat that is not breaded or salted. Choose low-sodium canned meat. You can also opt for plain bread, pretzels, and seeds.
Beans canned with salt added
While many types of beans are low in sodium, most are still high in sodium. To reduce the sodium content of your canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them before using them in your cooking. If you do not have the time to rinse and drain the beans, consider using low-sodium beans instead. Lastly, read the can label carefully. Many beans are not low-sodium, and you should add salt according to taste.
Whether you prefer black beans or pintos, canned beans contain plenty of amino acids. In fact, the human body needs at least nine of these amino acids to make protein. Only soybeans contain all nine amino acids. So, if you’re a vegetarian, you can also combine canned beans with whole grains and vegetables, which are rich in the amino acids many beans lack. Moreover, they are also convenient and inexpensive.
You can cut sodium by 25% if you rinse your canned beans before cooking. If you’re not sure how much salt is in the water, you can always taste the beans before cooking them. Additionally, you can use sea salt instead of regular table salt – this is made from evaporated seawater. If you’re unsure about the type of salt in your canned beans, you can also check the label for any other additives.
How You Can Prevent High Sodium Foods From Ruining Your Body
There are ways to minimize sodium in your diet. When shopping for groceries, choose fresh foods instead of canned foods. Salt is commonly found in canned goods, including vegetables. Check the nutrition facts label on jarred goods to see how much sodium is in each serving. If a can isn’t available, you can make a substitution by selecting seasonings and spices that don’t contain salt.
Read the labels carefully and choose foods with lower sodium content. Check labels carefully, as sodium levels can vary greatly between brands. Avoid highly processed foods. If you must eat meat, try to choose fresh, unprocessed meat. Compared to meat that has been processed, poultry and meat that has been injected is lower in sodium. Also, choose chicken and fish that are not processed, as these often have high sodium content.
To minimize sodium intake, choose canned and unseasoned foods instead of processed meats. Canned meats lose approximately two to nine percent of their sodium content after draining or rinsing. Prepared foods with added salt are also high in sodium. Replace salt with spices and herbs. Aside from salt, substitutes for salt include fresh herbs and spices. And you can also use garlic and ginger in your cooking.
One helpful low-sodium diet tip is to add fresh herbs and spices to your food. Salt substitutes are not recommended for people on a potassium-deficient diet. To prevent high sodium from ruining your health, always read the label. Avoid foods with 400 milligrams of sodium or more. Salt is an essential component of many foods, including breads, cured meats, cheese, and egg dishes. Additionally, softened water contains sodium.
Many Americans are consuming far more sodium than is recommended for their bodies. One teaspoon of table salt contains about two hundred milligrams of sodium, and this is more than a day’s worth of sodium. High blood pressure damages the kidneys over time and is the leading cause of kidney failure. Therefore, reducing sodium intake is more important with age. But there are also a number of other ways to cut sodium intake and maintain a healthy weight.
Changing the way you prepare foods can make a difference in the amount of sodium your body absorbs. You can make some recipes healthier by reducing salt content, or replace salt with other ingredients, such as citrus juices, vinegar, and lemon juice. When shopping for condiments, consider how much sodium is in the ingredients. Typically, condiments have more sodium than the regular ones, but you can choose low-sodium versions of these products.
Drinking plenty of water is one way to flush excess sodium from your body. Sodium dissolves in water and is excreted from the body through sweat. Exercising and saunas are another way to reduce sodium levels. You can also consult with your doctor if you’re unsure whether or not your current sodium intake is too high. The main culprit of high sodium in the American diet is processed foods and fast food. Prepared dinners such as pasta or meat and egg dishes can contain excessive sodium in your diet. People also tend to add salt to their food while eating.