Tag Archives: Sodium

Low-Sodium Meals 

By: Patricia Garcia Guillen, DTR, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2021-2022 

Let’s be honest: there is a misconception that low-sodium meals, or meals low in salt, can be unappetizing and lack some serious flavor. You are probably thinking, “How can I possibly add any flavor to my meals while using less salt?” Well, there are plenty of methods and ingredients that help make meals taste great by using little to no salt at all. Whether you are looking to decrease your sodium intake for health reasons, or are curious and excited about cooking new recipes, let’s explore the different ways we can make tasty, low-sodium meals packed with flavor!  

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Sodium: There Can Be Too Much of a Good Thing

By: Nikki Vaspra, B.S.N., CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2019-2020

Sodium is an essential nutrient that is involved in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, along with blood pressure. Sodium balance in the body is influenced by water and regulated by the kidneys. Some people may consume too much, however, leading to a variety of health issues like kidney disease, gastric cancer, osteoporosis, and hypertension.1

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How Sodium Relates to Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Heart shaped bowl berries

Image: Jamie Street/Unsplash

By Laura Ann Horwitz, CSUN DPD* Student

This is the fourth article in the series on Sodium. The first two articles centered on foods that contribute to a high Sodium diet, and how to reduce Sodium when eating on campus (or eating out). The third article concentrated on Sodium as it relates to health. In our last article, we’ll explore how to implement healthy lifestyle changes, which include lowering your sodium intake. Continue reading

Sodium: Why should you care?

salt shaker

Image: Bru-nO/Pixabay

By Laura Ann Horwitz, CSUN DPD* Student

This article in the series on Sodium, will discuss health issues relating to sodium, and explain some of the jargon you see written about it.

So, what’s the buzz about eating sodium? Why should you care about how much sodium is in the food you eat?
Although sodium is an essential mineral needed for our body to function properly, eating foods with high levels of sodium have been linked to numerous health concerns including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and stomach cancer.1 All of these issues impact and cause a burden to the economy of the United States, as well as to the framework of our current healthcare. Researchers have determined that reductions in our daily consumption of sodium could decrease both the number of illnesses among Americans related to sodium consumption, and the amount of money the U.S. could save in health care expenses.2 Continue reading