High sodium diet (1988)
Key points below
What is a high sodium diet?
Your child’s doctor or dietitian has recommended a diet higher in sodium. Sodium is a mineral that is in many foods. Table salt is the most common form of sodium. This diet includes many foods that your child may already eat. However, some changes may be necessary. This is not a diet that the whole family should follow.
How much sodium does my child need?
It is recommended that your child have __________________ sodium each day. The food label can help you choose high sodium foods.
It is important to look at the Serving Size.
Adjust the sodium amount if your child eats more or less than one serving. Add up your child’s daily sodium intake to see if they are meeting the amount of sodium that has been recommended.
What are high sodium foods?
Many canned and packaged foods are high in sodium. Fast food and other restaurant food may also be high in sodium. Condiments, such as ketchup and soy sauce, are high in sodium. Use this table to help you find high sodium choices in each of the food groups.
| Food group | High sodium choices |
|---|---|
| Grains | Noodle mixes (macaroni and cheese, ramen soup) Rice mixes Flavored instant oatmeal Some ready to eat cereals |
| Vegetables | Canned vegetables Frozen vegetables with sauces |
| Dairy | Processed cheese (American, Velveeta) |
| Meat and protein | Canned baked beans Deli meat Canned meat Smoked meat Bacon * Hot dogs * Corned beef Sausage * |
| Seasonings and condiments | Salt Soy sauce Garlic salt Onion salt Celery salt Pickles Seasoning mixes (taco and spaghetti sauce seasoning) |
| Main dishes | TV dinners Packaged lunches Canned soups Canned stews |
| Snacks | Salted chips * Salted pretzels Salted crackers Salted nuts |
Items with a * are less healthy. Choose these items sparingly.