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Salt,
also referred to as sodium,
is an essential mineral that
the human body needs to
function. First,
sodium is the main component
of the body’s extra cellular
fluids and it helps carry
nutrients into the cells.
Next, sodium also helps
regulate other body
functions, such as blood
pressure and fluid volume,
and sodium works on the
lining of blood vessels to
keep the pressure-balance
normal. Another
important function of sodium
is keeping the other blood
minerals soluble, so that
they will not build up as
deposits in the bloodstream.
In addition, sodium
functions with potassium to
equalize the acid-alkali
factor in the blood and
together these minerals help
to regulate water balance
within the body. In
addition, sodium and
potassium are also involved
in muscle contraction and
expansion and in nerve
stimulation. These are
just some of the primary
functions of sodium in the
body.
Although the body can’t
exist without sodium, the
amount we actually need is
rather small. The
National Research Council of
the National Academy of
Sciences in Washington, DC
has determined that the
recommended safe minimum
daily amount is about 500
milligrams of sodium with an
upper limit of 2,400
milligrams. Amazingly
enough, though, many
Americans now consume up to
6,000 milligrams of salt a
day because eating preserved
and processed foods has
become a way of life.
This high level of salt
intake is dangerous for the
body.
When you begin the Healthy
Inspirations program, your
body is “detoxified” of high
levels of salt because
you’re eating healthy,
unprocessed foods and
increasing your intake of
fresh fruits and vegetables.
However, some intake is
essential to the prevention
of electrolyte imbalances.
That is why adding 1/4
teaspoon of light salt each
day to meals is recommended.
Healthy Inspirations
incorporates grocery store
foods, Exercise
is included, as well as
one-on-one coaching and
relaxation therapy.
The plan is recognized by
doctors and dieticians as a
complete and permanent
weight loss solution. For a
complimentary health risk
analysis and consultation,
please contact the
Greensburg Center at
724-824-1010.
Inspirational Thought for
the Month
We are all human beings, and
are prone to making
mistakes. Therefore, it is
absolutely essential to
remember that when we do
slip, our true success is
NOT always measured by how
well we are doing at the
moment, but rather, how well
we RECOVER!
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