Take the guesswork out of sodium restrictions

Nursing, Aug 2002 by Collins, Nancy

Secrets to success

Using fresh and frozen foods, reading labels, learning to enjoy natural food flavors without salt, and paying attention to sodium intake are the secrets to successful sodium reduction. Once your patient catches on, he may agree that a sensible food plan is easier and more cost-effective than a complex regimen of drugs and medical procedures. And you can feel proud that you gave him the tools he needs to succeed.

SELECTED REFERENCES

Handbook of Medical Nutrition Therapy. Florida Dietetic Association, Tallahassee, Fla., 2000.

Williams, S.: Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Bth edition. St. Louis, Mo., Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1997.

SELECTED WEB SITES

Nutrition.Gov, a network of government nutrition sites: http://ww.nutrition.gov

Food and Nutrition Information Center: http://www.naLusda.gov/fnic American Dietetic Association: http://www.eatright.org

Last accessed on July 3. 2002.

BY NANCY COLLINS, RN, LD/N, PHD

Nancy Collins is a registered licensed dietitian in private practice in Pembroke Pines, Fla. She's served as a consultant on issues regarding regulatory compliance, clinical nutrition, and food service management and as a medicolegal expert to law firms involved in health care Iitigation.