Put down the saltshaker — especially if you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes.
While the condition brings to mind the need to avoid sugar, a new study links it to frequent salt consumption.
“We already know that limiting salt can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, but this study shows for the first time that taking the saltshaker off the table can help prevent type 2 diabetes as well,” said lead study author Dr. Lu Qi. He is chair and professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans.
“It’s not a difficult change to make, but it could have a tremendous impact on your health,” Qi said in a university news release.
Why high salt intake would have this impact is not fully understood.
Qi thinks salt encourages people to eat larger portions, which then increases the chances of developing risk factors such as obesity and inflammation.
Salt is an essential element of our diet, adding flavor and depth to our meals, however, it is important to maintain the proper balance. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between salt and diabetes and provide you with some friendly tips on how to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Tip 1: Get Savvy About Sodium
Before diving into our tips, it’s crucial to understand what we mean when we talk about salt. It’s not just the table salt you sprinkle on your food; it’s also the hidden sodium in processed and restaurant foods.
Read food labels to identify high-sodium items and aim to reduce your intake. The recommended daily sodium intake is around 2,300 milligrams, but less is even better for your health.
RELATED: 6 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Consume Too Much Salt
Tip 2: Opt for Fresh and Homemade
Processed and pre-packaged foods often contain excessive amounts of salt. Opt for fresh ingredients and cook homemade meals as often as possible.
By doing so, you’ll have better control over the amount of salt you add to your dishes. Plus, homemade meals can be