Media article critique - Essay Example

The sodium in the American diet does not significantly come from the saltshakers but in the abundance of processed food consumption. It should be noted sodium is usually used to enhance the flavor, stabilize, and preserve processed food. Accordingly, sodium intake can be reduced by opting fresh, whole food closest to their natural state. Another option is to look for canned food which are sodium-free or with reduced-sodium content. The DASH (Dietary Approach to Solving Hypertension) eating plan, which prescribes a diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy food, and food with limited saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, is clinically proven to dramatically reduce blood pressure by infusing enough levels of potassium in the body to counter the effects of sodium.

It has been verified by the Tulane University Health Science Center that adequate potassium intake may lower systolic blood pressure by 3 points and diastolic by 2 points. The level of sodium in the body as well as its effect is tied to an individual's physiological sensitivity to salt. It has been found out that 10-25 percent of the entire population is salt sensitive meaning that their bodies will respond faster with the reduction or increase in salt intake. Salt sensitivity is determined by heredity as it is passed on through genes and age as elders naturally experience higher blood pressure necessitating the reduction of sodium intake.

With the current rise in the number of people who suffers from heart disease, I believe that this article is very helpful and timely. I completely agree with the information presented. Having a family history of hypertension, I'm seeking ways on how to reduce the risk of acquiring the disease. Reducing sodium intake is probably one of the easiest and most enjoyable way to avoid heart diseases as it requires me to take in a variety of fresh foods and challenge my creativity in coming up with recipes containing less salt.

Works CitedMiers, Megan. Shake the salt habit: Limiting sodium intake can have many benefits. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, May 18, 2006, Pg.1; WashingtonARTICLEMay 18--Whether already added or sprinkled on in the form of salt, sodium is one additive that keeps us clamoring for our favorite foods over and over again.But the same seasoning that brings out the flavor of salad dressing and gives potato chips their savory crunch also can wreak havoc with our health. Many Americans far exceed the recommended daily limit of sodium in their diets, and that's not good news for a country in which cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer.Excess sodium in the diet can lead to fluid retention and hypertension (high blood pressure), which in turn can lead to stroke and other potentially deadly conditions.

But with a few simple steps, anyone can slash dietary sodium and drastically reduce health risks."The maximum recommended limit is less than 3,000 milligrams of sodium per day," said Rachel Vincent, a registered and licensed dietitian at St. John Medical Center. "The average American gets about 8,000 milligrams a day."To function properly, our bodies need about 200 milligrams of s