Patient information on a Low Sodium Diet (Part I)

Who is this information for?

This information is for patients, families and carers of patients undertaking a low sodium diet for
the prevention of Meniere disease and other vestibular disorders.

Do medicines have sodium?

• Yes, some medicines have sodium.
• If you are buying medicines you can get without a prescription, look to see how much sodiumthey have.
• Avoid products that have “sodium carbonate” or “sodium bicarbonate” unless your doctorprescribes them. (Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda.)

What is sodium?

• Sodium is an element that is found in many foods as well as water.
• It is the main constituent of Table Salt.
• The body needs a very small amount of sodium to work normally, but most people eat muchmore sodium than their body needs.

Who should cut down on sodium?

• Nearly everyone eats too much sodium. The average Australian takes in 3,400 milligrams ofsodium each day.
• Experts say that many people should have no more than 2,300 milligrams a day, and manypeople should have even less.
• For Meniere Disease, your doctor will recommend a sodium intake of less than 2000 – 3000mg a day.

Why should I cut down on sodium?

• There are many general health related benefits to a reduction in sodium intake such as lowerblood pressure, decreased kidney stress, decreased chance a kidney stones and decreased

  peripheral soft tissue swelling.

• With respect to Meniere Disease, a lower sodium intake may reduce the frequency andseverity of attacks.

Which foods have the most sodium?
Processed foods have the most sodium.

• These foods usually come in cans, boxes, jars, and bags.
• They tend to have a lot of sodium even if they don’t taste salty.
• In fact, many sweet foods have a lot of sodium in them.
• The only way to know for sure how much sodium you are getting is to check the label.

What should I do to reduce the amount of sodium in my diet?

• Many people think that avoiding the salt shaker and not adding salt to their food means thatthey are eating a low-sodium diet. This is not true.
• Not adding salt at the table or when cooking will help a little. But almost all of the sodium you eat is already in the food you buy at the grocery store or at restaurants

Tips to Reduce Salt:

1. Choose low sodium foods
   • Buy more fresh or fresh-frozen, unprocessed foods
   • See table below.
   • If you must buy canned or packaged foods, choose foods:
     • labeled “low Salt” or “No added Salt” – N.B. Some foods labeled “reducedsalt” can still contain high levels of Sodium
   • Check the nutrition panel – choose foods that have:
     • less than 400mg of Sodium per serve.
     • Less tan 150mg per 100mg

1. Do not add salt at the table or in cooking
   • What to use instead:
     • Freshly ground pepper, dry mustard powder
     • Lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar
     • A sprinkle of dried herbs
     • Chopped fresh herbs: basil, oregano, mint, rosemary, thyme, parsley, chives,sage, tarragon
     • Garlic, curry, chilli, onion, fresh ginger, spring onions
     • Alcohol in cooking
     • Spices: nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom
2. Decrease the number of times you eat out.
   • You can still eat in restaurants once in a while.
   • But choose places that offer healthier choices.
   • Fast-food places are almost always a bad idea.
     • As an example, a typical meal of a hamburger and french fries from a popular fastfoodchain has about 1,600 milligrams of sodium. That’s more sodium than many

       people should eat in a day!

   • Ask the waiter if your meal can be made without added salt
   • Avoid foods that come with sauces and dips
   • Choose plain grilled meats or fish and steamed vegetables.
   • Ask for oil and vinegar for your salad rather than dressing
3. Clearing up some myths about sodium (salt)
   • Do you need extra salt it you sweat a lot?
     • The body is very good at keeping the amount of salt it needs.
     • You need fluid (preferably water), at least 1.5L daily, even more if you are veryactive and sweating a lot.
   • Does extra salt stop cramps?
     • Cramps are not due to a lack of salt.
     • Drinking enough fluid and always warming up before exercise can help
     • Also check that your calcium intake is adequate.
4. Count your sodium
   • Aim to have < 2,300mg of sodium each day.
     • The table below provides a general guide
     • Any food with > 150mg sodium per serve should be limited.
5. Make Changes slowly
   • Choose one thing to do differently, and do that for a while. If that change sticks, addanother change.
   • For instance, if you usually eat green beans from a can, try buying fresh or fresh-frozengreen beans and cooking them at home without adding salt. If that works for you, keep

     doing it. Then choose another thing to change.

   • If it doesn’t work, don’t give up. See if you can cut down on sodium another way.
   • The important thing is to take small steps and to stick with the changes that work foryou.

Download PDF