We don’t usually track our sodium intake, as the calculations can get tricky. You might not be able to see certain high-sodium foods as salty or savoury and this could cause you to fly under the radar.
However, with the latest National Population Health Survey findings showing a significant spike in the number of people with high blood pressure, from 24.2 per cent in 2017 to 35.5 per cent in 2019, it’s time to sit up and take a closer look at your sodium intake.
ICYDK, high-sodium eating increases your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. This is a growing concern in Singapore. Also important to know: High-sodium food isn’t restricted to soya sauce, instant noodles, chips and other salty-tasting food. You could be eating other sodium-laden foods, exceeding your daily sodium limit, and not even know it.
Wait, there’s a sodium limit?
Reminder: The Health Promotion Board of Singapore recommends a daily intake of no more than 2,000mg (one tablespoon) of sodium. However, Jaclyn Reutens, a dietitian at Aptima Nutrition and Sports Consultants, suggests keeping your sodium intake below 1,500mg since we usually underestimate the amount we’re actually eating. One tablespoon (15ml) regular soya sauce has 1,000mg of sodium. You read that right.
“It’s not easy to track the amount of sodium in your diet as most foods come with pre-added salt,” Jaclyn says.
Begin by watching what you eat.
Source: Her World
