It seems we’re always trying to figure out how live for ever (or at least in our 100s). One of the proven ways your longevity is affected has to do with what you put into your body. when it comes to you Body Health, you always want to make sure you’re drinking the right beverages and eating the right foods. If you currently have an illness, you are at risk If you want to develop something, or just want to make sure your body stays in its best condition, keeping your body in check is important to a longer, healthier life.
As important as it is to watch what you put into your body, you may not realize how little habits have that can contribute to poor health and essentially a shortened life. According to a recent study published in the European Society of Cardiology, People who add extra salt to their food while sitting at the table are at increased risk of dying prematurely from any cause.
Approximately 501,379 people participated in the UK Biobank study between 2006 and 2010. Participants were asked via questionnaire if added salt to your meals. The options were or never/rarely, sometimes, almost always, always, either Prefer not to answer. Those who preferred not to answer were not included in the analysis.
The researchers took into account other factors that could affect the results. This included age, gender, race, deprivation, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet. They also took into account any medical conditions participants may have.
The study defined premature death as death before the age of 75. After following the participants for about nine years, the research showed that compared with those who never or rarely added salt, those who always added salt to their food had a 28% increased risk of dying prematurely.
Furthermore, the study suggested that there was a lower life expectancy among participants who always added salt. At age 50, women’s life expectancy fell by an average of 1.5 years. For men, it was 2.28 years.
The salt shaker is not the only source of sodium to consider
“This epidemiological study is the first of its kind to look at the relationship between the salt shaker on the table and how often people use it,” he shares. Toby Amidor, MS, DR, CDN, FAND award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Diabetes Create Your Plate Meal Prep Cookbook.
According to Amidor, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 reveal that, on average, Americans consume 3,393 milligrams of sodium per day. Meanwhile, the recommended limit is 2,300 milligrams. She further shares that the main sources of sodium in the diet are No of the salt shaker Instead, they are sandwiches (21%), rice, pasta and other cereal-based dishes (8%).
“Adding table salt really isn’t the main source of where our sodium comes from,” says Amidor.
How to reduce sodium intake
Although the salt shaker may not be the main culprit, she still recommends keeping in mind how much you’re adding.
“However, as a registered dietitian, I advise against using the salt shaker prior to tasting his food to see if he really needs it,” she says.
In addition, Amidor recommends buying canned food no added salt or low sodium.
“Research also reveals that up to 40% of sodium is removed when canned beans are rinsed in water,” she says. “There are also home cooking techniques to help reduce sodium. Like using low-sodium chicken broth and low-sodium or light soy sauce.”
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He also advises that when go out to dinnerKeep in mind that most dishes are extremely high in sodium. She suggests that many contain at least 75% of the recommended daily intake of sodium. As such, dining out less often or using the nutrition facts panel at a facility where it is available can certainly help.
“As a society, we consume too much sodium,” says Amidor. “Considering the salt shaker is definitely one method to help reduce intake. But there are more common sources of our sodium that shouldn’t be skipped when trying to change your sodium intake habits.”
Kayla Garritano
Kayla Garritano is a staff writer for Eat This, Not That! She is a graduate of Hofstra University, where she majored in Journalism and double majored in Marketing and Creative Writing. read more
