Sodium

Sodium is a nutrient found naturally in salt. Although our bodies only need a small amount of sodium, most Canadians consume more than double the recommended daily intake. Eating too much sodium may lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.

Over 75% of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods such as cheese, deli meats, pizza, sauces and soups.

Learn how to reduce sodium in your diet by making healthy food choices at the grocery store, at home and when eating out.

Reducing Sodium in Your Diet

Sodium is a nutrient found in table salt and many other foods. Some sodium is natural, but most of it is added to our food. Our bodies need some sodium to be healthy. But too much may lead to high blood pressure--a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.

Choosing Foods with Less Sodium: At the Grocery Store

Choose foods with less sodium at the grocery store so that you can prepare healthier meals at home. Read the information on food packages. Make wise choices from the four food groups in Canada's Food Guide. Know which foods are high in sodium.

Choosing Foods with Less Sodium: At Home

Learn to prepare your own meals at home using little or no salt. Make healthy meals and snacks. Reduce the sodium in the foods you use. Add flavour without sodium, and know which foods are high in sodium.

Choosing Foods with Less Sodium: When Eating Out

Did you know that restaurant meals are often high in sodium? Choose wisely when eating out to avoid foods high in sodium. Make lower sodium menu choices and find the best menu choices.

Sodium Detector

Use the Sodium Interactive Tool to find out how much sodium is in processed foods, high sodium foods that are added during cooking and at the table, and foods with naturally occurring sodium.

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