You might be getting more sodium than you need, even if you never pick up the saltshaker. That’s because more than 70 percent of the sodium we eat comes from packaged and restaurant foods. This can make it hard to control how much sodium you eat, because it’s added to your food without you even realising!

How much salt should we have per day?

6g of salt (2.4g sodium) per day is the maximum recommended amount that adults should consume according to the NHS. This corresponds to approximately one level teaspoon.

According to a study by Human volunteers who consumed an additional six grams of salt per day also showed pronounced immune deficiencies. This amount corresponds to the salt content of two fast food meals.

What happens to sodium in the body?

Firstly, our body needs some sodium to function properly, however, nowadays it is easy to go overboard with the quantity. Sodium plays a role in the balance of fluids in your body and the functioning of nerves and muscles.

Some people retain sodium more easily, which leads to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. Keep in mind that less is better, especially if you're sensitive to sodium. If you aren't sure how much sodium your diet should include, talk to your doctor or dietitian. 

What can we do to limit our sodium intake?

Limit fast food and highly processed foods. Usually, fast foods contain well over the recommend daily amount of salt and large amounts of sodium can be hidden in canned, convenience and processed foods, so always read labels before purchasing.

Be mindful when cooking. If you would like some added flavour while cooking, consider adding pepper or natural seasoning without salt such as dill, cumin or dried herbs and bay leaves and limit the heavy-handed pouring of salt.

Eat more fresh foods. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Fresh meat is also lower in sodium. Opt for fresh or frozen fish and poultry where possible and avoid ones containing added sodium/sodium products.

How can GourmetFuel help?

At GourmetFuel, our meals are created with minimal salt and a lot of the salt content would come naturally from the ingredients. We use no artificial additives or preservatives and even our sauces are made from scratch, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Consuming unprocessed whole foods is the best diet to follow. Check out our full range here and get into a healthier lifestyle today! 

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