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Different Strokes for Different Folks
As some of you know, I started on the low sodium path because I was diagnosed with something called Meniere's Disease. If you don't know what Meniere's Disease is -- you should be thankful. Most of us who have it found out what it was after our first bout with horrible vertigo and other symptoms which basically prevent you from living a normal life. When this first hit, I spent months in the house afraid to go anywhere, unable to drive, and very, very sick. I could not move my head from side to side without vertigo. It was an absolute nightmare. There is no cure for this chronic condition. However, the only thing they have proven, is that excessive sodium is a common symptom trigger for Meniere's. From that point on, it was my goal to do whatever it took to reduce the sodium in my diet.
But there are many of you out there who don't have Meniere's and still need to reduce your sodium. Why You?
- Heart Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. One person dies every 37 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. About 647,000 Americans die from heart disease each year—that’s 1 in every 4 deaths. - Kidney Disease
According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney disease affects an estimated 37 million people in the U.S. (15% of the adult population; more than 1 in 7 adults). High blood pressure and diabetes are the main causes of chronic kidney disease. - High Blood Pressure
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 1 out of 2 adults in the United States, or 108 Million people has hypertension (high blood pressure.) With lifestyle modifications, such as a low sodium diet, most of this preventable.
Most Americans eat too much sodium -- they eat an average of 3,400 mg per day. The daily recommended value for sodium is less than 2,300 mg per day. But for most of us with other health issues, 2,300 mg even seems laughable. I can say that for Meniere's, I was told to keep my sodium down to 1,500 mg per day, but I really do try to be between 1,200 mg and 1,500 mg when I can. Everyone should follow their own doctor's orders as far as what your sodium level should be.
So for me, it may be Meniere's, and for you it might be high blood pressure or kidney issues -- but the bottom line is we all have to watch our sodium intake. And with KosherLoSo, we can do it together.