Medical Can you get a healthy diet without adding salt to food?

[fluidistic]

Considering one is in good shape and exercise a few times a week, can he have a healthy diet without adding sea/table salt to his food?
I think there's salt in many products that one eats so I wonder if adding salt to food is necessary to have a good diet and therefore, health.

 

[phyzguy]

Considering one is in good shape and exercise a few times a week, can he have a healthy diet without adding sea/table salt to his food?
I think there's salt in many products that one eats so I wonder if adding salt to food is necessary to have a good diet and therefore, health.

Yes, I think you can get a healthy diet without adding salt to food, it just takes like ka-ka. ;)

 

[turbo]

If you eat mostly whole foods and don't have easy access to seafood, it would be wise to add a little iodized salt. Iodine is essential for good thyroid function.

 

[fluidistic]

If you eat mostly whole foods and don't have easy access to seafood, it would be wise to add a little iodized salt. Iodine is essential for good thyroid function.

Yeah basically I was wondering about goitre and the other effects of a lack of salt/iodine. But my doubt is, is it still possible to lack salt despite eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, etc. (healthy diet)?

 

[mazinse]

the cardiology people will tell you to cut down on salt to prevent hypertension

 

[bohm2]

About 80% of average sodium intake is in processed foods and only ~ 10% is added at the table or in cooking.

 

[turbo]

About 80% of average sodium intake is in processed foods and only ~ 10% is added at the table or in cooking.

My wife and I eat whole foods, pasta, and some breads. No processed food here, so we are not overloaded with salt nor preservatives.

 

[bohm2]

My wife and I eat whole foods, pasta, and some breads. No processed food here, so we are not overloaded with salt nor preservatives.

Pasta mixed dishes (e.g. with sauce) and breads are 2 of the top 10 sources of sodium in the diet and both are considered processed:

Forty-four percent of sodium consumed came from 10 food categories: bread and rolls, cold cuts/cured meats, pizza, poultry, soups, sandwiches, cheese, pasta mixed dishes, meat mixed dishes, and savory snacks.

Vital Signs: Food Categories Contributing the Most to Sodium Consumption — United States, 2007–2008
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm61e0207.pdf

 

[fluidistic]

Ok guys so all indicates that not adding salt to your food cannot make harm, right?

 

[turbo]

Ok guys so all indicates that not adding salt to your food cannot make harm, right?

If you have regular additions of seafood to your diet, you might be fine. Otherwise, you should look at adding iodized salt to your diet. You don't need much iodine in your diet, but you do need some.

 

[fluidistic]

If you have regular additions of seafood to your diet, you might be fine. Otherwise, you should look at adding iodized salt to your diet. You don't need much iodine in your diet, but you do need some.

Ok, I think tuna will do the job.

 

[mazinse]

If you are on a western diet, you have enough salt already. Look at your packages, most of the foods say Na on it