DO MORE with Heart Failure
Successful management of heart failure is made easier by reducing the sodium in your diet. Sodium is a mineral found in nature and in most foods. Ordinary table salt is a common source of sodium. Much sodium is added during commercial processing and preparation of food. Reducing your sodium intake is easier than you think!
♥ Limit the sodium in the diet to 2,000 milligrams daily
♥ Do NOT add salt to food at the table or in cooking – it is not a vital ingredient in any recipe
♥ Season foods with herbs, spices, pepper, onion, garlic, lemon, vinegar or any salt-free seasoning
Suggestions for Seasoning | |
Meat, fish, poultry Vegetables Soups Fruits | Onion, garlic, pepper, bay leaf, dry mustard, marjoram, sage, thyme, curry, lemon juice Onion, garlic, pepper, parsley, paprika, chive, dry mustard Dry mustard, peppercorns, bay leaf, parsley Cinnamon, ginger |
♥ Bake, broil, grill, roast, poach, steam or microwave foods without salt
♥ Leave salt out of cooking water for cereals, rice, pasta and vegetables
♥ Choose foods low in sodium
- Fruits, fresh, canned or frozen
- Vegetables, fresh or frozen without added sauces
- Lean meats, fish, chicken or turkey
- Low-sodium snacks, such as unsalted pretzels, unsalted crackers and air-popped popcorn
♥ Avoid foods high in sodium
- Canned vegetables and canned soups
- “Convenience” foods, such as frozen dinners and deli foods
- Hot dogs, bratwurst, lunch meats and sausages
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- Season salt, meat tenderizer, soy sauce, steak sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, ketchup, mustard and barbecue sauce
♥ Read all labels carefully for sodium content
| Sodium Labeling | Sodium Content |
Sodium-free Low-sodium Moderately low sodium Reduced sodium Unsalted | 5 milligrams or less per serving 35 milligrams or less per serving 140 milligrams or less per serving Usual sodium level reduced by 75% No salt added during processing |
- Buy foods labeled “low sodium”
- Eat only small amounts of foods that have 150-350 milligrams of sodium per serving
- Avoid foods that have more than 350 milligrams of sodium per serving
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