Health Tip: Low-Sodium Meals

Suggestions to lower your salt intake

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(HealthDay News) - Sodium (salt) is a contributing factor to high blood pressure, and too much in one's diet can be dangerous, especially for those with heart disease.

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Here are suggestions on how to prepare meals with less sodium, courtesy of the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

• Avoid adding extra salt to your food when you eat it.
• Reduce the amount of salt that you use when you cook. Use fresh herbs instead.
• Don't salt the water used to boil rice or pasta.
• Avoid using packets of sauce or seasoning. They are usually high in sodium.
• Use fresh foods and ingredients when you can. Prepackaged or processed foods often contain a lot of sodium.

-- Diana Kohnle