FoodBozo.com

When it comes to “natural” ways to improve blood pressure, sodium restriction snags the spotlight. Most experts agree that limiting sodium is a smart strategy for those looking to lower blood pressure, but why focus on what you can’t—or shouldn’t—have? Shift your emphasis to positive lifestyle changes you can make to improve blood pressure.

1. Nosh on plenty of produce. Fruits and vegetables are low in sodium and rich in potassium, which offsets sodium’s effect on blood pressure. Potassium-packed picks: baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, spinach, winter squash, bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, beans and tomatoes.

Find more tips at 8 Great Ways to Lower Blood Pressure: Sodium Aside.

By The Canadian Press

TORONTO – Gerber, one of the best-known names in baby food, has been named this year’s recipient of the “Salt Lick Award” due to the high sodium content in one of its prepared meals for toddlers.

The Canadian Stroke Network and the Advanced Foods & Materials Network chose Gerber Graduates Lil’ Entrees because the product line’s Chicken & Pasta Wheel Pickups dinner contains 550 mg of sodium – more than half a toddler’s adequate daily intake of 1,000 mg.

The organizations say the amount of sodium in the prepared food is equivalent to that contained in two medium orders of McDonald’s french fries. McDonald’s Canada website says a medium order of fries contains 270 mg of sodium.

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