If you’re sensitive to salt, you know how important it is to avoid foods that are high in sodium. High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Sodium is essential for the body, but too much of it can be harmful.
Most Americans consume too much salt, and the main source of salt in our diets is not the salt shaker, but processed foods.
Here are 30 foods to avoid if you’re sensitive to salt:.
1. Canned Soup
Canned soup is a convenient and easy meal, but it’s often packed with salt. A single cup of chicken noodle soup can contain up to 940 milligrams of sodium. That’s more than 40% of the recommended daily intake of sodium for most adults.
2. Processed Meat
Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, and canned meat are often high in salt. A single slice of bacon can contain up to 190 milligrams of sodium. Look for low-sodium options or limit your intake.
3. Deli Meat
Deli meat is another culprit when it comes to sodium. One slice of deli meat can contain up to 300 milligrams of sodium. When possible, choose fresh cuts of meat.
4. Pizza
While pizza may seem like an innocent indulgence, it’s often loaded with sodium. A single slice of cheese pizza can contain up to 700 milligrams of sodium.
5. Fast Food
Fast food is notoriously high in sodium. A single fast food meal can contain up to 2,000 milligrams of sodium or more.
6. Cheese
Cheese is delicious, but it’s also high in sodium. A single ounce of cheese can contain up to 400 milligrams of sodium. Choose low-sodium options or limit your intake.
7. Salted Nuts
Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats, but salted nuts can be high in sodium. A single serving of salted mixed nuts can contain up to 190 milligrams of sodium.
8. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a staple in many Asian dishes, but it’s also high in sodium. A single tablespoon of soy sauce can contain up to 1,000 milligrams of sodium.
9. Salad Dressing
Salad dressing can turn a healthy salad into a sodium bomb. A single tablespoon of salad dressing can contain up to 300 milligrams of sodium. Look for low-sodium options or make your own dressing at home.
10. Pickles
Pickles are a low-calorie snack, but they can be high in sodium. A single pickle can contain up to 570 milligrams of sodium.
11. Tomato Juice
Tomato juice is a popular breakfast drink, but it’s also high in sodium. A single cup of tomato juice can contain up to 700 milligrams of sodium.
12. Condiments
Condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard can add flavor to your food, but they’re often high in sodium. A single tablespoon of ketchup can contain up to 160 milligrams of sodium.
13. Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables are a convenient way to get your daily dose of veggies, but they can be high in sodium. One cup of canned green beans can contain up to 380 milligrams of sodium.
14. Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners are a quick and easy meal, but they’re often high in sodium. One frozen dinner can contain up to 1,800 milligrams of sodium or more.
15. Potato Chips
Potato chips are a popular snack, but they’re also high in sodium. A single serving of potato chips can contain up to 170 milligrams of sodium.
16. Crackers
Crackers are a common snack, but they’re often high in sodium. A single serving of crackers can contain up to 300 milligrams of sodium.
17. Bread
Bread is a staple food, but it’s also high in sodium. A single slice of bread can contain up to 230 milligrams of sodium.
18. Cereal
Cereal is a popular breakfast food, but it’s often high in sodium. One cup of bran flakes can contain up to 280 milligrams of sodium.
19. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a healthy snack, but it’s also high in sodium. A single cup of cottage cheese can contain up to 800 milligrams of sodium.
20. Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza is a convenient meal, but it’s often high in sodium. One serving of frozen pizza can contain up to 1,500 milligrams of sodium.
21. Canned Beans
Canned beans are a great source of protein and fiber, but they can be high in sodium. One cup of canned black beans can contain up to 580 milligrams of sodium.
22. Sausage
Sausage is a popular breakfast meat, but it’s often high in sodium. One link of sausage can contain up to 400 milligrams of sodium.
23. Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are a quick and easy meal, but they’re often high in sodium. One package of instant noodles can contain up to 1,500 milligrams of sodium or more.
24. Pre-made Sandwiches
Pre-made sandwiches are a convenient lunch, but they’re often high in sodium. One sandwich can contain up to 1,500 milligrams of sodium or more.
25. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a popular snack, but it’s often high in sodium. A single serving of beef jerky can contain up to 590 milligrams of sodium.
26. Canned Fish
Canned fish like tuna and salmon are a great source of protein, but they can be high in sodium. One can of tuna can contain up to 300 milligrams of sodium.
27. Instant Rice
Instant rice is a convenient side dish, but it’s often high in sodium. One serving of instant rice can contain up to 380 milligrams of sodium.
28. Olives
Olives are a delicious snack, but they’re often high in sodium. A cup of olives can contain up to 1,400 milligrams of sodium.
29. Gravy
Gravy is a common sauce, but it’s often high in sodium. A cup of gravy can contain up to 1,800 milligrams of sodium.
30. Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes are commonly used to flavor soups and stews, but they’re often high in sodium. One bouillon cube can contain up to 1,100 milligrams of sodium.
Conclusion
Avoiding foods that are high in sodium is important for those who are sensitive to salt. By choosing low-sodium options and limiting your intake of high-sodium foods, you can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.