As National Salt Awareness Week draws to a close many people in the county will now be more aware of the salt content of the food they eat.

The government recommended adult daily limit is 6g of salt, what we call salt is mostly the chemical sodium chloride, and the real problem with salt is the amount of sodium it contains therefore it is important to keep an eye on what you eat.

Now NHS Suffolk is encouraging people where possible to avoid what for many will be an unexpected source of sodium – large soluble paracetamol containing painkillers.The full daily dose of these large soluble or effervescent pain-relieving tablets contains the equivalent of 6 grams of salt, which when combined with a normal diet, will significantly exceed the recommended daily limits.

Too much salt can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Given that stroke ends in death for one in three and that heart disease kills one in five, regulating salt intake is important for healthy wellbeing.

Richard Hodgson, Senior Pharmacist, NHS Suffolk said:

“Avoid taking the large tablets that make a fizzy solution when you drop them in water. If you have them on prescription, simply ask your doctor for the non-soluble form. Similarly, avoid buying them from pharmacies and ask for the non-soluble form instead.”

Soluble pain-relieving tablets can be useful for migraine or occasional headaches because they may be absorbed more quickly than non-soluble tablets. Using soluble tablets occasionally does not present any risk. If you use them for longer-lasting pain it might be a good idea to use the non-soluble equivalents.

Your local pharmacist will be happy to advise.

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk