Low salt diet
The low salt diet within the Verdify ID can be used by people who want to lower their salt intake. Verdify’s healthy eating diet is based on the national salt recommendation of maximum 6 grams of salt per day [1]. When following the low salt diet, this will be limited to a maximum of 5 grams per day. A reduction in salt is for example advised for people with high blood pressure or severe overweight [2].
Diet is the main source of salt intake and statistics show that people on average consume 9-12 g of salt per day, which corresponds to twice the recommended maximum level of intake [1]. High salt consumption (>5/6 g/day, equivalent to 2000/2400 mg of sodium) is associated with high blood pressure and, consequently, to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, osteoporosis and obesity [1, 3, 4].This means that processed and energy-dense foods needs to be replaced as much as possible with fruit, vegetables, and whole grain products. Nexto to that, less salt should be added while cooking.
Diet principles
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The recipes in the diet option ‘Low salt’ from Verdify are based on the national EatWell Guide [3];
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Specific ranges of salt have been set for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. In this way, 5g of salt is correctly divided according to the usual meal frequency.
Scientific background
The ‘Low salt’ diet option offered by Verdify is based on the national EatWell Guide [3] and the dietary recommendation for hypertension [4].
Disclaimer
The Verdify diets do not have a medical function and are not a substitute for doctor's advice. Verdify recommends following this diet only under the guidance of an experienced dietitian. Find a local dietitian here.
References
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Voedingscentrum (n.d). Zout en natrium. Consulted on 3 February 2021, from: https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/encyclopedie/zout-en-natrium.aspx
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WHO (2020). Salt reduction. Consulted on 3 February 2021, from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/salt-reduction
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NHS (2018). Salt: the facts. Consulted on 3 February 2021, from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/salt-nutrition/
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NHS (2019). Prevention. High blood pressure (hypertension). Consulted on 3 February 2021, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/prevention/