Responding to recent reports that nearly half the Emirati population suffers from high blood pressure, Mafraq Hospital is running a campaign to help raise awareness about the dangers of hidden salt.
The campaign will highlight the fact that high levels of sodium found in processed food can cause hypertension.
Small amounts of sodium are needed to maintain healthy blood pressure, however the increasing rates of hypertension in the UAE could indicate that Emiratis are consuming far more than the recommended daily amount.
It is recommended that healthy adults consume no more than 2,300mg of sodium per day, preferably less for hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients.
A Mafraq Hospital hospital spokesman indicated a panel of leading cardiologists and dieticians at the hospital had teamed up to help raise awareness about the sodium in processed and packaged food.
Dr Asia Sultan Al Olama, a cardiologist at Mafraq Hospital, warned that while table salt could contribute to hypertension, “the main source of sodium in our diet comes from packaged and processed foods”.
Frozen meals
“Many of our patients are surprised by this,” Dr Al Olama said. She said the biggest culprits were bought frozen meals, canned, pickled or snack foods, lunch meats, condiments, sauces and dressings.
According to statistics released by the World Health Organisation, the UAE population is rated as among the top 10 most obese in the world.
Canned soup is convenient and has a long shelf life, making it popular for those with busy schedules but it can pack a whopping 600mg of sodium in just one serving.
Under the Mafraq Hospital programme, patients receiving nutritional counselling are encouraged to prepare their own food as much as possible.
Easily and inexpensive homemade soups are up to 28 per cent lower in sodium, making them a good option for those attempting to make healthier choices.
Even sweets and desserts could be high in sodium.
Bathool Nissar, Head of Dietetics at Mafraq Hospital, said packaged cake mixes contained high levels of salt. One serving made from a packaged cheesecake mix contains 500mg of sodium — about 22 per cent of the daily allowance.
Mafraq Hospital offers specialised treatment including meal planning, nutritional counselling and weight loss plans.
Dr Al Olama recommended that everyone read labels carefully and eat as much fresh food as possible.
Fight blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough for it to eventually cause health problems such as heart disease.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
High blood pressure typically develops over time, and it affects most people eventually. Fortunately, it can be easily detected and controlled once you know you have it.
Source: www.mayoclinic.com