Health Home >>  >>   

New online tool helps track sodium consumption

Written by: QMI Agency
Mar. 8, 2013

(SHUTTERSTOCK)

In light of several recent studies pointing to the dangers of consuming too much salt, a new online tool created by Canadian researchers can help people track how much sodium is in their diet and where it's coming from.

The projectbiglife.ca salt calculator was developed by analyzing the sodium levels of more than 20,000 grocery and restaurant foods, "and is based on Canadian eating patterns and the most up-to-date data on sodium levels," the development team said in a news release.

Dr. Joanne Arcand, of the University of Toronto, who was on the team, said the "hidden sodium" added during food production leads Canadians to consume approximately 3,400 mg of sodium a day -- more than double the recommended amount. Bread products, processed meats, soups and canned or pickled vegetables are the main culprits.

"Enabling people to monitor their sodium intake has personal benefits - like lowering blood pressure and risk of heart disease - but it can also dramatically reduce overall health care costs."

The Salt Calculator's 23 questions -- such as "How often do you eat out?" -- are designed to identify the main sources of sodium in one's diet.

Scientists from the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) were also involved in the project.

A large European study released this week was able to significantly link processed meats like bacon and sausage with early death, and blamed the high salt content, among other things.

View more news