World Salt Awareness Week
– March 21-27, 2011 –
Cutting down on salt could save your life

Men’s health and salt intake is the focus of this year’s World Salt Awareness Week, which begins on March 21.

And, with strong evidence linking salt intake to high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks, men across the county are being encouraged to reduce the amount of salt they eat.

Dr Jenny Harries, Joint Director of Public Health for NHS Norfolk & Norfolk County Council, said: “Heart attack and stroke are among the most common causes of death for men in Norfolk. On average, men consume more salt than women and are more likely to suffer high blood pressure. However men are least likely to see their GP for high blood pressure. Older people and those from some ethnic minority backgrounds are at particular risk.


“It’s important that we don’t eat more than the recommended daily salt limit of 6g, which is the equivalent of one teaspoon, because in addition to heart attack and stroke, a high salt diet may also be linked to osteoporosis and cancer of the stomach, as well as making the symptoms of asthma worse.


“However, it can be difficult to know how much salt is in the food we eat, as food labelling isn’t always easy to understand.


“The foods containing most salt are generally processed foods like ready meals, takeaway foods, processed meats like ham and bacon and smoked foods like smoked salmon.


“All salt, including table, rock and sea salt should be used in moderation. If you like the taste of salt why not try using alternative flavourings such as herbs, spices or mustard powder?


“It can be difficult at first to get used to eating food without salt, however you should give it a go as you’ll end up tasting the real food as well as reaping the benefits of a healthier diet.”

How do I work out how much salt is in a product if it is not labelled?

All labels give sodium and some now salt. To find out how much salt is in a given quantity of sodium, you have to multiply by 2.5.

How do I know when shopping which are low and high salted foods?
< 0.1g sodium is low
0.2 – 0.4g sodium is medium
0.5g sodium is high based on per 100g of food

Will my taste buds adapt to eating less salt and how long will it take?

Yes, you will find that after adapting to eating less salt your taste buds will become more sensitive to salt and within 3-4 weeks you will have adjusted and dislike the taste of salty food. Food tastes far better when it is fresh and has not had salt added.

You can find out more about World Salt Awareness Week 2011 at www.worldactiononsalt.com and www.actiononsalt.org.uk/salthealth/index.html

ARS – Asbestos Risk Surveys, Norfolk 01953 604411