– Dr. Apeksha Ekbote
Ph.D, RD, CDE
Chief Dietician, NephroPlus
Sodium is an essential nutrient necessary for maintenance of plasma volume, acid-base balance, transmission of nerve impulses and normal cell function. Excess sodium is linked to adverse health outcomes, including increased blood pressure. However, in later stages of kidney failure, kidneys cannot get rid of excess sodium and fluid. The sodium and fluid can build up in the body, causing blood pressure to rise and increasing damage to the kidneys.
Many people confuse themselves by assuming that salt is sodium. But, salt is the mineral compound sodium chloride. Foods that we consume have sodium in the form of salt or sodium in any other form. Therefore, it is necessary to follow certain low sodium diet tips given below in order to maintain blood pressure and prevent excessive fluid gain.
- Limit daily normal salt intake to 2-3gms / ½ tsp only.
- Avoid adding salt to chapathi dough, rice, curd or salads
- Avoid papads, pickles, jams and jellies (Preserved foods contain sodium benzoate which acts as a preservative)
- Avoid biscuits, khari, toast, salted popcorn, salted khakhra, salted chips, salted dry fruits and salted butter
- Avoid bakery items (contains baking soda and baking powder both of which contain sodium)
- Avoid cold drinks, tetrapack juices and canned juices
- Avoid salty dried fishes, sardines, salmons, prawns, crabs and lobsters. Preferably use fresh water fishes in your diet.
- Avoid chat masala, sendha namak/Himalayan pink salt, rock salt/black salt or low sodium salt substitutes (they are rich in potassium chloride)
- Avoid convenient foods which are frozen, processed or preserved such as ready to eat foods, frozen snacks etc which are high on sodium
Foods can be made tastier even without salt or salt substitutes. You can use few drops of lemon juice, vinegar, salt free tamarind pulp, salt free raw mango pulp, green chillies, mixed herbs or oregano to make food more palatable. Remember to make your diet nutritious yet tasty with a caution – A Pinch of Salt only!