Dietary recommendations in arterial hypertension (HTA)

Until a few years ago, America was at the top of salt consumption, this coupled with an overweight or obesity, finally brings as a consequence problems of hypertension, heart failure and other possible pathologies. Spain is taking a position and every day more and more people are affected by these pathologies. Below is a table with the foods that currently present the highest amount of salt and sodium and that should therefore be eliminated or decreased in people sensitive to these.

In order to reduce the consumption of salt while maintaining the flavour of the food, it is recommended that it be replaced by spices such as oregano, parsley or pepper, provided that it is not discouraged for other reasons. On the other hand, it is important to know that the preference for salty foods is something to which we ourselves have become accustomed and therefore we can unlearn over time, thus changing to a healthier and more beneficial habit.

SOURCE: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Processed foods- Up to 75% of sodium comes from processed foods such as tomato sauce, pre-cooked soups, condiments, fast-food preparations…etc. This salt is often hidden in the food we buy.

Natural foods- Many foods of natural origin contain high levels of sodium. The largest quantities are found in cheeses, seafood, olives and some legumes.

Table salt and sea salt

Certain medications

Monosodium glutamate- Used in some processed foods, as well as in restaurant chains as a flavour enhancer.

Baking soda- Commonly used in baking and other culinary preparations. 1 tablespoon of dessert contains about 1000mg of sodium.

Levadura- Traditionally used as a dessert gasifier.

Disodium phosphate à Found mainly in processed cheeses and some breakfast cereals.

Sodium benzoate à Used as a preservative in a wide variety of commercial sauces.

Sodium hydroxide- In the food industry it is used for the processing of olives and for the washing of some fruits and vegetables.

Sodium nitrite – Added to cured meats and sausages.

Processed nuts with added salt (salted peanuts, fried marcona almonds…)

Tin loaf

Pizzas in general

Marinated food

Anchovies and other salted fish

Fast Food in general and machine snacks