NUTRITION FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES: SALT

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Salt is another nutrient that has been garnering headlines. Persons with diabetes are more at risk than the general copulation for problems with two kinds of salt – sodium chloride (table salt) and potassium salt.

In general Westerners get more than enough salt in the foods they eat – naturally in some foods and added in processed foods. Adding salt at the table is not necessary and certainly can be harmful in persons who are salt-sensitive. Too much salt ingested by these persons may contribute to the development of high blood pressure (hypertension) with the increased risks for strokes.

Cookbooks are chock full of salt-free recipes, and grocery shelves contain many reduced-salt or salt-free products. Read the labels before you buy. Use spices other than salt to perk up the taste of food. However, watch out for salt substitutes that can contain minerals, such as potassium, that may be harmful to you. Some people with diabetes, especially those with kidney disease, have problems with potassium. Potassium can build up in the bloodstream because the kidneys fail to get it out. Medication to bring potassium down to normal may be prescribed if this condition occurs.

In people with high blood pressure, the medication used to lower blood pressure may result in a deficiency of potassium. This then requires the use of dietary potassium supplements or the addition of high potassium foods, such as bananas, to the diet.

*17/210/5*

NUTRITION FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES: SALT Salt is another nutrient that has been garnering headlines. Persons with diabetes are more at risk than the general copulation for problems with two kinds of salt – sodium chloride (table salt) and potassium salt.In general Westerners get more than enough salt in the foods they eat – naturally in some foods and added in processed foods. Adding salt at the table is not necessary and certainly can be harmful in persons who are salt-sensitive. Too much salt ingested by these persons may contribute to the development of high blood pressure (hypertension) with the increased risks for strokes.Cookbooks are chock full of salt-free recipes, and grocery shelves contain many reduced-salt or salt-free products. Read the labels before you buy. Use spices other than salt to perk up the taste of food. However, watch out for salt substitutes that can contain minerals, such as potassium, that may be harmful to you. Some people with diabetes, especially those with kidney disease, have problems with potassium. Potassium can build up in the bloodstream because the kidneys fail to get it out. Medication to bring potassium down to normal may be prescribed if this condition occurs.In people with high blood pressure, the medication used to lower blood pressure may result in a deficiency of potassium. This then requires the use of dietary potassium supplements or the addition of high potassium foods, such as bananas, to the diet.*17/210/5*

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