Salt (Sodium Chloride or Table Salt)
Your body needs some salt. Salt helps the body regulate fluid balance, maintain heart rhythm, and contract and relax muscles. Your body cannot produce sodium on its own, so you need to get it from your diet. Sodium chloride is about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating recommends that Canadian's limit their sodium intake.
Suggestions regarding sodium intake*:
Choose sensibly to moderate your salt intake.
Choose fruits and vegetables often.
Read nutrition labels to compare and help identify foods lower in salt.
Use herbs, spices, and fruits to flavor foods.
When eating in restaurants, choose foods that are prepared with only a moderate amount of salt or salty flavorings.
*Source: USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2000, 5th edition.
