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| Your Own Health
Reference |
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| Q. |
When is a low salt, high potassium diet necessary?
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| A. |
In patients with high blood pressure or taking a corticosteroid medication. In mild cases of high blood pressure, it may be enough to control the condition without medication.
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| Q. |
How does this diet help high blood pressure?
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| A. |
The greater the salt intake, the higher the blood pressure. A higher intake of potassium appears to be associated with a lower number of strokes.
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| Q. |
What foods should I avoid because of their high salt content?
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| A. |
Some of them are:
- Salted fish
- Cured meats (ham, bacon, sausage)
- Luncheon meats (bologna, hot dogs, etc.)
- Canned fish (salmon, tuna, etc.)
- Canned soups and stews
- Pickles, catsup, prepared mustard
- Some salad dressings
- Pretzels, saltines, etc.
- Salted nuts
- Cheese
- Frozen meals, soups and some vegetables
- Packaged ingredients (baking, gravy mixes, etc.)
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| Q. |
How will I know the salt content of foods?
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| A. |
Read the labels on prepared foods. The salt content is listed. Remember, "low salt" means lower than the amount of salt in other, similar foods. It does not mean "salt free."
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| Q. |
Must all food be prepared without adding salt?
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| A. |
Yes, omitting salt in cooking and at the table and avoiding high sodium foods will still permit a reasonably normal diet.
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| Q. |
How can I flavor foods without using salt?
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Use lemon, herbs or spices, many herbal vinegars and non-salt herb and spice mixes are available.
- Do NOT use monosodium glutamate, or products containing it.
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| Q. |
How can I increase my intake of potassium?
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| A. |
The following foods are among those rich in potassium:
- Pasta
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dried beans
- Unprocessed meat
- Fish
- Whole grains
- Nuts
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| Q. |
May I use a salt substitute?
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| A. |
Yes, most of them are ideal because they contain potassium instead of salt. However, check with your physician before using them if you are taking medication for high blood pressure.
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The summary information contained in this document is for informational purposes only. This summary may not contain all the information you should know about the medical conditions, medications, products or treatments described. DO NOT USE THIS INFORMATION TO DIAGNOSE A HEALTH PROBLEM OR PRESCRIBE A MEDICATION. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR UNCERTAINTIES, OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN AND MEDICAL ADVISORS.
Copyright 1992, 2001, 2006 PrimeCare Systems, Inc. | |
