Eating For Health

Most people know too much salt increases your risk for high blood pressure and strokes.   Although everyone knows about salt in the salt shaker but many people aren’t aware of the hidden salt in the foods we eat and even drinks.   In fact, more than 70% of the salt (sodium) in our diet comes from packaged, prepared foods and restaurant foods.   🧠 What Sodium Does in the Body Sodium helps regulate fluid balance , nerve function , and muscle contractions . It’s essential—but only in small amounts. Most people consume far more than the recommended daily limit. The American Heart Association recommends 2300 milligrams of sodium a day.   Yet, the average American consumes about 3,300 mg a day or about 50% more than the recommended amount.     ⚠️ Health Risks of Too Much Sodium High Blood Pressure ( Hypertension ): The most direct and dangerous effect. Sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volu...

Have you ever had kidney stones?   Do you know someone who has had kidney stones?   I remember my boss having a bout with kidney stones.   He would be in such pain he would lie on his office floor.   What can one do to prevent kidney stones?   Recently a reader wrote to Dr. Roach and asked: “Approximately three years ago, I developed a calcium oxalate kidney stone, which was removed by surgery.   What can I do to prevent the calcium oxalate kidney stone from forming again?” Dr. Roach stated that the calcium oxalate stones are indeed the most common kind.   He had quite a few recommendations.   WebMD and Mayo Clinic also provide good advice.   What can you do to help prevent kidney stones?   Drink more water .   This reduces both the quantity of calcium and of oxalate in urine.   Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 2-3 quarts of water a day.   Drink more water.   Cut back on foods high in oxalates .   Dr. Roach...