Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the first report on global efforts to reduce sodium intake. As it turns out, we’re not doing as well as we hoped.
According to WHO, the world is off track to meet the agreed salt reduction goals needed to protect against cardiovascular disease.
Here’s what you need to know about the WHO Global Report on Reducing Salt and what you can do to reduce salt in your family’s diet.
Background of the WHO report
It is well established that an unhealthy diet is a major cause of chronic disease, especially cardiovascular disease.
In addition, the largest number of diet-related deaths are associated with excessive sodium intake, an established risk factor for hypertension, heart attack, and ischemic stroke. caused when the flow is interrupted.)
In 2013, all 194 WHO Member States committed to reduce sodium intake by 30% by 2025. WHO urged governments to develop policies and action plans to reduce the amount of sodium in processed foods. and to educate consumers to choose foods low in sodium.
new reportReleased 9 March . Who developed the ‘Sodium Country Scorecard’ for each Member State based on the type and number of salt reduction policies in place?
Investigation result
According to the report, the average global sodium intake is 4,310 mg per day, well above the WHO recommended sodium intake of less than 2,000 mg per day.
As of October 2022, only 5% (9 countries) of WHO Member States achieved the highest possible score of 4. Each had implemented at least two mandatory low-salt policies and all of the WHO-recommended low-salt policies to combat chronic disease.
Canada received a ‘Country Score’ of 2. This means that governments have either encouraged the food industry to reduce salt intake or implemented voluntary measures to encourage consumers to make healthier food choices centered on sodium.Health Canada The Ministry does both.
In July 2022, Health Canada regulated front-of-pack nutrition labeling to help consumers make healthier food choices centered on sodium (and saturated fats and sugars).
The new mandatory “High Content” label complements the back-of-pack Nutrition Facts label, which has been mandatory since 2007. It appears in prepackaged foods with 15% or more of his daily intake (DV) of sodium and saturated fat. and/or sugar. Food manufacturers have until January 1, 2026 to comply.
(To receive 3 points, Canada had to implement at least one mandatory policy to reduce sodium in its food supply, such as setting a maximum sodium content limit in food. .)
salt reduction at home
Despite Health Canada’s voluntary measures to reduce sodium intake, most Canadians (6 in 10) still consume too much sodium, averaging 2,760 It’s mg. This amount is even higher for a teenage male (3,320 mg) and for men aged 19 to her 50.
Canadians are advised to consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, the amount found in one teaspoon of table salt. A person with high blood pressure should limit her daily sodium intake to 2,000 mg.
Most of the sodium we consume (77%) comes from processed foods and restaurant meals, not salt shakers.
Bakery products (e.g. breads, muffins, cookies, desserts, crackers and granola bars), processed meats (e.g. sausages, deli meats, chicken wings, hamburgers, meatballs) and mixed foods (e.g. pizza, lasagna, frozen entrees and appetizers) , frozen potatoes, cooked salads) account for half of the sodium consumed by Canadians.
Other big factors are cheeses, soups, sauces and condiments.
Read nutrition labels on packaged ready-to-eat foods. Use the Daily Value (DV) percentage to figure out how much sodium is in his serving of food. 5% or less of DV is considered minor. Anything over 15% is considered high.
Reduce your sodium intake by making homemade versions of store-bought baked goods, pasta sauces, and soups. Roast turkey breast or chicken for sandwiches and salads instead of deli meat.
Eat home-cooked meals more often. Salty ingredients and hefty portion sizes mean restaurant meals are surprisingly high in sodium.
For example, if you use services such as Hello Fresh or Chef’s Plate, please read the nutritional information before placing your weekly order. It’s not uncommon to get 1,000 to 2,000 mg of sodium (some even more) on a diet low in calories and carbohydrates.
Toronto-based private practice dietician Leslie Beck is Medcan’s Director of Food and Nutrition. follow her on her twitter @LeslieBeckRD.
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