National Sodium Reduction Initiative for the Food Industry- Are we jumping the gun?

On January 11, 2010, the National Salt Reduction Initiative, a New York City-led partnership of cities, states and national health organizations unveiled its proposed targets to guide a voluntary reduction of salt levels in 62 categories of packaged food and 25 categories of restaurant food by 25 percent over five years.

A high sodium intake has been shown to lead to high blood pressure and heart disease and most adults consume twice the recommended limit. So, there is no doubt that this initiative is required, but is it the right time?

It is a reduction in obesity that will have the greatest effect on the national health crisis, as there are many preventable diseases associated with it. As already mentioned, a high sodium intake can lead to hypertension and heart disease, but get obesity under control, and these conditions will improve dramatically. There would also be other benefits associated with lowering obesity rates such as a decreased incidence of diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, gallbladder disease, gallstones, osteoarthritis and gout.

Accordingly, why are we not concentrating on getting initiatives focused on controlling calories (which is the main cause of obesity) in full force, before focusing on all the other nutrients Americans are over consuming, such as salt?

Salt has a great effect on flavor and a dramatic reduction can give folks the notion that “healthy food is boring and tasteless”.

One of the most effective ways to help reverse America’s escalading health crisis is replacing the typical American high fat, high calorie diet with one that is lower in calorie density. That means the incorporation of more fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as lower amounts of fat. To encourage this change, the mix needs to be satisfying and delicious. This can require the use of some seasonings, marinades and sauces that contain sodium.

So, we need to focus on getting Americans to eat more vegetables and whole grains- and if that change requires the addition of some sodium for flavor, so be it! It will still lead to better weight control, and the resulting reduction of associated disease, which will have the greatest effect on reversing America’s health crisis!

We need to slow down and stop the panic… The obesity crisis keeps getting worse and Americans are confused enough already. Taking one step at a time will lead to better results in the long run.