Arbor Health | Arbor Health and Life | Spring 2020

How do I cut back on sodium? The family medicine doctor says: Sodium is a mineral found in many foods. Health care providers often use the words sodium and salt interchangeably. You need some sodium, but too much can be bad for your health. To cut back on sodium, read the nutrition label on foods. Look for the words salt-free , sodium-free , very low sodium or low sodium on the label. The physician assistant says: Use more herbs and citrus to flavor foods. Instead of adding salt to recipes, experiment with spices, fresh herbs, lemon juice, lime juice and vinegars. Try using a sodium-free seasoning blend. Buy and use ketchup, mustard and other condiments that are labeled salt-free or low sodium . The internal medicine doctor says: Choose fewer processed foods. A lot of the salt we eat is from foods that come in boxes, cans or packages. Limit these foods, which are often high in sodium, or look for lower-sodium versions: The physician assistant says: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fresh pro- duce is naturally low in sodium. If you’re buying frozen produce, look for fruits and vegetables without added sauces or sodium. When choosing canned vegetables, go for low-sodium or no-salt-added items. You also can rinse and drain canned vegetables to help lessen the amount of salt you’ll eat. Robin Rice, PA-C Randle Clinic 108 Kindle Road, Randle 360-497-3333 Quoc Ho, MD Randle Clinic 108 Kindle Road, Randle 360-497-3333 Nancy Campbell, PA-C Mossyrock Clinic 745 Williams St., Mossyrock 360-983-8990 ●   ● Canned soups, canned vegetables, canned meats and tomato juice. ●   ● Cold cuts and deli meats. ●   ● Hot dogs and sausages. ●   ● Pizza. ●   ● Frozen dinners. ●   ● Rice and noodle mixes. Don Allison, MD Mossyrock Clinic 745 Williams St., Mossyrock 360-983-8990 ASK THE E XP E RTS 5 MYARBORHEALTH.ORG