Bread, salty cheese, processed meat, canned food and snacks can contribute much of our daily salt.
Much of our salt comes from prepared and packaged foods rather than the salt shaker. Compare sodium labels, eat fewer processed foods and use herbs, spices and lemon for flavour. Reducing salt helps control blood pressure.
Medical principle
A healthy diet relies on variety, balance, moderation and minimally processed foods, rather than a miracle food or eliminating an entire food group. Energy and fluid needs vary with age, activity, weather and underlying illness.
Practical steps that may help
- Base weekly shopping on vegetables, whole fruit, pulses, whole grains and lean protein sources.
- Compare sodium and added-sugar labels, and avoid making sugary drinks an everyday choice.
- Prefer small, sustainable changes to strict short-term diets.
When should you seek medical care?
Unintentional weight change, difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, severe weakness or restrictive diets during pregnancy or with diabetes, heart or kidney disease should be discussed with a doctor or dietitian.
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