Central Peninsula Hospital | Pulse | Summer 2021 | 50th Anniversary Edition

Standard U.S. Postage PAID WallaWalla,WA Permit No. 44 How do I cut back on sodium? The family medicine doctor says: Sodium is a mineral found in many foods. Health care providers often use the words sodium and salt inter- changeably. You need some sodium, but too much can be bad for your health. To cut back on sodium, read the nutrition label on foods. Look for the words salt-free, sodium-free, very low sodium or low sodium on the label. The dietitian says: Use more herbs and citrus to flavor foods. Instead of adding salt to recipes, experiment with spices, fresh herbs, lemon juice, lime juice and vinegars. Try using a sodium-free seasoning blend. Buy and use ketchup, mustard and other condiments that are labeled salt-free or low sodium . The nurse practitioner says: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fresh pro- duce is naturally low in sodium. If you’re buying frozen produce, look for fruits and vegetables without added sauces or sodium. When choosing canned vegetables, go for low-sodium or no-salt-added items. You also can rinse and drain canned vegetables to help lessen the amount of salt you’ll eat. The internal medicine doctor says: Choose fewer processed foods. A lot of the salt we eat is from foods that come in boxes, cans or packages. Limit these foods, which are often high in sodium, or look for lower-sodium versions: ● Canned soups, canned vegetables, canned meats and tomato juice. ● Cold cuts and deli meats. ● Hot dogs and sausages. ● Pizza. ● Frozen dinners. ● Rice and noodle mixes. ASK THE E XP E RTS It’s our 50th anniversary! Go to cpgh.org/50 to see how much we’ve grown since we opened in 1971.