Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Health Center

Less Salt Is Often Still Too Much

continued...

He's also concerned about possible pressure to remove sodium content from the labels of processed foods, since this labeling is essential in aiding consumers to choose foods wisely.

"Fast food restaurants are one of the greatest contributors to a high-salt diet," Joanne Keaveney, RD, tells WebMD. "If you currently go there once a week, try to cut down to once a month. You can get above the recommended daily intake just by having a large hamburger and fries for lunch." Keaveney is a dietician at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, in Boston.

She warns that other foods high in sodium include frozen dinners, olives, cheese, and canned soups. "Chinese food is very high in salt, too, and many people don't realize this," she says. "They say 'hold the MSG' and think they've solved the problem, but the meal is still loaded with sodium."

The more fresh foods you buy, she says, the healthier you'll be. "People get in trouble because they stop off to get a fast-food sausage and biscuit on the way to work -- that's already 2,000 mg of salt. Suppose you got a bagel instead? ... That's only 50 mg. Or eat a cut-up apple and granola -- that's still under 100."