5 Surprising Sources of Sodium

As you work to lower high blood pressure, it's important to reduce the sodium in your diet. Current recommendations say to limit your sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day or about one teaspoon of salt. For middle-aged adults or older, African-Americans and people with hypertension, the FDA suggests no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.

Salad dressing

Sodium in prepared salad dressing may range from 300 to 600 mg per serving. Consdier making a healthy mix of your own dressing using olive oil, vinegar, and your choice of spices to reduce sodium intake.

Granola bars

While they may seem healthy, one granola bar typically contains 65-80 mg of sodium. Processed and packaged products contain more sodium than fresh and homemade food. Be vigilant reading food labels before you eat.

Diet iced tea

Diet iced tea seems healthy but a bottle frequently contains 80 mg of sodium per serving. One bottle usually contains two servings. Brew your own iced tea to make it healthier

Flour tortillas

Reduce sodium by choosing corn tortillas. One 8-inch Mission flour tortilla contains 350 mg of sodium. One 6-inch Mission white corn tortilla contains 10 mg of sodium. Corn is the healthier option with 3 grams of dietary fiber versus 1 gram in the flour tortilla.

Breakfast cereal

Read labels to avoid cereals with more than 350 mg of sodium per serving. Even Raisin Bran may be high in sodium. Pay attention to serving size. If one serving is 1/2 a cup and you usually have 1 and 1/2 cups, that three times the amount of sodium.