Excess Salt Consumption is a Major Public Health Problem

Jane E. Henney, chair of an Institute of Medicine issued a strong report in April, 2010 identifying excessive salt consumption as a major cause of hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks. Whereas the maximum amount recommended per day is 1500 mg for most people, men consume about 3X that amount and women and children consume about twice that much. School lunches, restaurant food, especially fast food, snacks, and processed food (even frozen vegetables) are major culprits. The FDA, the NIH, HHS, and the Centers for Disease Control all plan to take action on the IOM report, which was commissioned by Congress. Aggressive action might save 100,000 lives and billions of health care dollars each year. Start now to reduce your salt intake. It really makes a difference.

See the Institute of Medicine Report, April, 2010.(click here)