Are salt substitutes a good alternative?
While the spice aisle in your grocery store abounds with salt substitutes, they are not a healthy option for everyone. Many contain potassium chloride in place of sodium chloride, and potassium consumed in excess may be harmful for some people. For example, many people with kidney problems are unable to rid their bodies of excessive potassium, which could result in a deadly situation. If you have kidney problems or are on medication for your heart, kidneys or liver, check with your doctor before using salt substitutes. Otherwise, a salt substitute containing potassium chloride is an acceptable alternative in moderation. Some salt substitutes labeled “lite” or “low sodium” still contain sodium, just less than what’s found in table salt. These products often contain a mix of sodium chloride and potassium chloride. If a product is labeled “sodium free,” the main ingredient is potassium chloride without sodium. Keep in mind that a 1,500 mg sodium restriction includes TOTAL sodium for the d
