Among the most widely prescribed modified diets in use today are those which limit the amount of table salt and salt containing foods you may use.

These diets are often used in the treatment of high blood pressure and some other types of heart, kidney and liver diseases. They are also used when you are taking certain prescription drugs that cause the body to hold fluids. Table salt is a major source of sodium, which is the water holding mineral of the body.

The amount of sodium required by our bodies to maintain good health is very small. It is much smaller than the amount we normally receive in our food and water. The body of a normal, healthy person easily gets rid of the excess sodium. It passes out in the urine. When the heart, liver or kidneys are not working properly the body may have difficulty getting rid of this extra sodium. This causes the body to hold onto more water and a swelling may develop. This swelling occurs mainly in the feet and legs. The condition is called edema. Some medicines, cortisone for example, may also cause the body to retain sodium and develop edema. The part that sodium plays in high blood pressure is less well understood. However, we do know that people whose diets are very high in salt or sodium are more likely to develop high blood pressure. Diets low in sodium help to control the condition.

If a diet low in salt or sodium is needed, it must depend on the individual and his medical condition. The doctor must have the final word. If your doctor decides your salt or sodium intake should be controlled, he may either give you a printed diet sheet or send you to a Registered Dietitian. He will also send a diet prescription along with you. The dietitian will then interview you and work out a diet with you which meets the doctors� prescription. This will also follow the eating pattern you have developed as closely as possible.

Sometimes people are told merely not to add salt at the table. They are told, also, to avoid obviously salty foods such as salted crackers, potato and corn chips, salted popcorn, pretzels, cured meats such as ham, bacon, sausages and salami and other processed meats or foods which contain large amounts of salt or sodium-containing additives. They should also avoid lunchmeats, kosher meats, canned meats, olives, pickles and sauerkraut. Regular seasonings, other than pure spices and herbs, should also be avoided. No other restrictions may be necessary. Diets limited only to this extent are usually called Low Salt Diets.

Some people need diets which are much more limited in salt intake. This may vary widely from one person to another. Their diets are usually called Salt Free or Low Sodium Diets. In addition to the formerly-mentioned restrictions, people on Salt Free or Low Sodium Diets will need to remember the following:

Nearly all foods naturally contain some sodium, even if they do not taste salty. Meat, milk and milk products and eggs contain more natural sodium than is found in fruits, most vegetables and in unprocessed cereal products. Fruits are allowed on these diets in any amounts desired unless calories are also being counted. This is also true of most vegetables. However there are some vegetables which contain more sodium and should be watched. They are artichokes, beets, carrots, turnips, celery, plus �greens� such as spinach, kale, chard, beet, dandelion and mustard greens. It may be necessary to limit or avoid these altogether. On Salt Free or Low Sodium Diets you also have to limit or avoid the use of baked goods containing salt, baking soda and baking powder and salted butter or margarine. Plain oil-and-vinegar or special salt-free salad dressings may be used on salads. Salt-free bread and salt-free or sweet butter or margarine may be required. These items spoil easily and should be kept refrigerated or frozen until shortly before they are needed. Cheeses are especially high in sodium and only special salt-free cheeses can be used. Since all canned vegetables and many frozen ones have been processed with salt, you will be instructed to use only fresh or salt-free canned vegetables. Read all package labels carefully, avoiding any product which contains either salt or the word sodium. That�s spelled S-O-D-I-U-M. It may be used either as a separate word or as part of a larger word.

Since many medicines, including some non-prescription kinds, contain sodium, it is important that the patients on a Low Sodium Diet consult their doctor before using any. Many of the antacids, headache remedies and laxatives are included in the group. Additionally, tooth powders and some toothpastes contain sodium, so it will be necessary to check on the content of the one being used.

Living with a mildly-restricted Low Salt Diet is not difficult. It may be necessary to get used to eating foods with a natural flavor. Some skill may be necessary in learning to use seasonings to make your diet more enjoyable. A sprinkling of lemon juice or vinegar on cooked foods may help a lot in making them more tasty. Salt substitutes may be used if your doctor allows them. However these should be used with caution. They must be used right before you eat the food and only in small amounts or they taste bitter.

It is also important not to use soft water. The best water to use is bottled, spring or distilled kind.

There are many reasonably priced, reliable low sodium cookbooks available. Your local Health Department, Heart Association or Hospital Dietary Department can recommend one for you.

Because salt and sodium-restricted diets can be very confusing there are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Use only the diet prescribed for you by your doctor. Never follow someone else diet, it may be completely wrong for you.
2. Make certain you understand the diet fully. If you are not sure ask your doctor or his nurse to explain the parts you don�t understand or to refer you to a registered dietitian.
3. Check with your doctor before taking any medicines, even antacids, headache remedies and laxatives. Be sure your toothpaste is sodium free.
4. Read labels on all packaged, bottled or canned goods. If you are on a Salt Free or Low Sodium Diet you must avoid any which contain the words Salt or Sodium.
5. If you have any questions about your diet, consult your doctor, your local Health Department, Heart Association or Dial-a-Dietitian, if there is one in your locality.