Potassium is an important partner to salt – many people have low levels of potassium, which is also a factor contributing to increased blood pressure and its associated risks. At the same time as lowering your salt intake, boost your potassium levels with beans, peas, nuts, spinach, cabbage, bananas, papayas and dates. Opt for unsalted nuts to control your salt intake! Try a low-salt alternative for seasoning food – they generally contain 50% sodium chloride (salt) and 50% potassium chloride.
Iodine is another essential dietary element that is needed in only tiny quantities. Found naturally in dairy, eggs, saltwater fish, shellfish and seaweed products, it supports the production of thyroid hormone, which helps the body use energy and keeps it working the way it should. Iodine deficiency can cause thyroid problems as well as retard the mental and intellectual development of children whose mothers were iodine-deficient in pregnancy. The simplest and most cost-effective solution, promoted by the World Health Organisation, is adding iodine to salt. Sea and table salts are iodated with small amounts of iodine to support optimal body functioning.
