.::.Taking A Close Look At Sodium.::.

As many of my clients hit there two to three month mark, we have begun to assess their nutrition intake. During this process both the clients and myself have learned a lot about the American diet and where some of our countries bad habits sit in. I am sure that you have all heard the comment, "American's consume too much sodium in their everyday diet." It has come to my knowledge that this may be more true than we all think. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we should be consuming no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day, that is if we are a healthy individual between the ages of 9 and 50, otherwise this daily intake is lower.

Estimated Mean Daily Sodium Intake, by Age-Gender Group

Why does consuming the right amount of sodium matter?

* Helps to regulate blood pressure - hypertension, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart disease and kidney failure
* Proper muscle function (electrolytes) - muscle cramping and improper nerve firing
* Body Water Regulation - dehydration and overheating

How can we reduce our daily sodium intake?

* Become educated on how to properly read a nutrition label and choose those foods with low sodium.
* Consume more fresh foods and less processed, which contain high sodium content.
* Prepare more home cooked meals. Here you have control of how much sodium goes into the meal. Be sure to add very little extra!
* At restaurants ask that no extra salt be added to your meal or choose the low sodium option.

Sources of Sodium in the Diet of U.S. Population Ages 2+

Your Motivator and Companion,

Gabby Skinner

Personal Trainer & Owner

1735 Churchill Drive

Fremont, NE 68025

402.459.1541

www.fitnessintoalifestyle.com