Are you aware that nine out of ten kids have more sodium in their diet than is recommended? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “1 in 6 children has raised blood pressure, which can be lowered in part by a healthy diet, including less sodium.” High blood pressure puts them at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Most of the sodium is in the form of salt from these ten foods: pizza, breads, cold cuts, cheeseburgers, salty snacks, cheeses, breaded frozen chicken pieces, spaghetti with sauce, Mexican dishes and soup. How do you help your kids/grandkids to have less salt? It is an acquired taste so starting when they are young is helpful. Set an example by offering more fruits and vegetables with no added salt. Read labels and select products with the lowest sodium content. Ask for lower sodium suggestions at restaurants or search online for restaurant menus and select restaurants that offer healthier foods. Read the CDC article for more ways to lower the sodium in your meals as well as your children: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/pdf/2014-09-vitalsigns.pdf.
