We seem to be constantly looking for ways to live forever (or at least into our teens). One of the proven ways your lifespan can be affected has to do with what you put into your body. Whether you currently have a disease, are at risk of developing something, or just want to keep your body in top shape, getting your body in check will help you stay healthy longer. It is important for leading a meaningful life.
It’s important to be observant of what you put into your body, but you may be unaware of the little habits you have that can harm your health and essentially shorten your life. According to a recent study published in European Society of Cardiology, People who add extra salt to their food while sitting at the table have a higher risk of dying prematurely from any cause.
Between 2006 and 2010, approximately 501,379 people attended the UK Biobank Stud. Participants were asked by a questionnaire if they added salt to their meals.The options were either never/rarely, sometimes, usually, always Also I don’t want to answer Those who chose not to respond were not included in the analysis.
The researchers considered other factors that may have influenced the results. This includes age, gender, race, deprivation, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and diet. We also considered any medical conditions that the participants might have.
In this study, premature death is defined as death before age 75. After following the participants for about nine years, the study found that when compared to those who added no or little salt: People who regularly added salt to their diet had a 28% increased risk of premature death.
Additionally, the study suggested that participants who were constantly adding salt had a shorter life expectancy. At age 50, a woman’s life expectancy is reduced by an average of 1.5 years. 2.28 for men.
Salt shakers aren’t the only sodium source to watch out for
“This epidemiological study is the first to look at the relationship between the salt shaker on the table and how often people use it,” he shares. Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND Award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Diabetes Create Your Plate Meal Prep Cookbook.
According to Amidoll, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reveal that, on average, Americans consume 3,393 milligrams of sodium per day.While the recommended limit is 2,300. milligrams.She further added that the top source of sodium in the diet is No From salt shakers. Instead, it’s sandwiches (21%), rice, pasta, and other grain-based dishes (8%).
“Adding table salt is not the main source of where the sodium is coming from,” says Amidor.
How to reduce sodium intake
The salt shaker may not be the main culprit, but she advises being careful with how much you add.
“However, as a registered dietitian, I would advise against using a salt shaker. Previous Taste the food and see if you really need it,” she says.
Additionally, Amidor recommends buying unsalted or reduced-salt canned food.
“Studies have also shown that rinsing canned beans with water removes up to 40 percent of the sodium,” she says. For example, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium or light soy sauce.
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She also advises to be careful when eating out, as most dishes are very high in salt. So eating out less often or using nutrition facts panels at available facilities can certainly help.
“As a society, we consume too much sodium,” says Amidor. There are more common sources of sodium that should not be ruled out when trying to change habits.”
Kayla Garitano
Kayla Garritano is a staff writer for Eat This, Not That! She graduated from Hofstra University where she majored in journalism and minored in marketing and creative writing.read more
