Sodium

So - after the holidays, grandma developed edema that was very noticeable. We visited the Doctor, who believed it was from eating too much Sodium. Edema can be painful, so it is discouraging to walk. Less movement = more edema. Elevating legs helps, but if it's uncomfortable so letting legs dangle also = more edema.

We wondered exactly how much salt do we eat?  This weekend we proceeded to read the nutrition labels on some of the products we have in the pantry.

• Can of green beans             1/2 of a cup   =  390 mg of Sodium
• Can of mushroom soup       1/2 of a cup   =  890 mg of Sodium
• Whole tomatoes (canned)   1/2 of a cup   =  220 mg of Sodium                 
• Soy sauce                           1 Tablespoon = 1160 mg of Sodium

So we asked ...How much Sodium do we need in a day?????     
 
According to Mayo Clinic

•           2300 mg. per day for people under 51

•           1500 mg. per day for people over  51

       http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284

 We would have been way over-just with the food mentioned above. Not counting the milk, bread, processed meats, cereal, etc that we may have also consumed.

So as a result of this research, we are now on a low sodium diet for Grandma, (and to help us eat healthier).

Oh yes, 1/4 of a frozen pizza = 750 mg of Sodium........Shucks-it was such a easy meal to make, too.