As the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) releases new guidance on reducing sodium in processed foods, there is a growing awareness of the need to lower sodium intake for better heart health. The new guidance aims to help Americans reduce their average daily sodium intake from 3,400 to 3,000 mg/day over the next two and a half years.
Frank Sacks, a professor of cardiovascular disease prevention at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, was the principal investigator in the DASH Sodium-Trial, which showed a strong and causal relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure. In a recent interview, he discussed the benefits of the FDA's new sodium reduction guidance and offered tips for eating a lower-sodium diet without sacrificing taste.
Sacks believes that while the FDA's voluntary guidance is a good start, more can be done to lower sodium intake further. He suggests that the target should be lowered to 2,300 mg/day, the current recommended limit in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. However, he acknowledges that the food industry may need time to adjust to these changes.
When it comes to getting Americans accustomed to less salty foods, Sacks explains that people can quickly adapt to lower sodium levels without sacrificing flavor. Companies like potato chip manufacturers have already successfully reduced sodium content in their products without affecting sales.
For individuals looking to reduce sodium in their diets, Sacks recommends reading nutrition labels, asking for less salt when dining out, and using herbs or lemon as alternatives to salt in cooking. By gradually reducing sodium intake and making conscious choices about the foods we eat, we can improve our heart health and overall well-being.
In conclusion, the FDA's new guidance on sodium reduction is a positive step towards improving public health. By following these tips and making small changes in our diets, we can work towards a healthier future for ourselves and our families.