Sodium is a mineral found as a natural ingredient in many foods. The most common form of sodium is salt. The low-sodium diet allows you 1/8-teaspoon of salt per day to use in food preparation or at the table.

Salt substitutes use potassium instead of sodium. You may use them if your doctor approves. However, one should not use salt substitutes with some medications. Check with your doctor to be sure that you can use a salt substitute each time your medication changes.

Reading Labels

If a product changed to a lower sodium level, you may see these various terms alerting you to the changes:

• Reduced or less sodium: At least 35-percent less sodium than the original version of the product

• Light in Sodium: At least 50-percent less sodium than the original version of the product

• Low Sodium: 140mg of sodium (or less) per serving

• Sodium Free: Less than 5mg of sodium per serving

Dining Out:

When dining out, you can reduce the sodium content of a meal by trying these simple suggestions:

• Use pepper, lemon juice, or bring your own salt free seasoning for flavor

• Go easy on condiments and sauces. Mustards, catsup, salad dressings, sauces and gravy substantially increase the amount of sodium in your meal

• Request that food is prepared without added salt and ask for sauces, salad dressing and gravy be served on the side

• Recognize words that indicate a high sodium content; marinated, pickled, smoked, au jus, teriyaki, soy sauce or in broth

• Keep it simple. Often special sauces and toppings add extra sodium to foods. Ordering a broiled cut of meat or fish is a better choice than entrees covered with special sauces. Plain meat-type sandwiches are lower in sodium than chicken, egg or tuna salad sandwiches.