Health Tip: Cutting Back on Salt

Too much salt can boost your blood pressure and spur related complications such as heart failure.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to consume less salt:

• Eat fresh foods, rather than packaged or prepared varieties. And don't add salt.
• Steer clear of convenience foods, such as instant cereals and puddings, canned soups, frozen meals, packaged mixes of rice and pasta, and gravies.
• If you eat frozen entrees, look for those that contain less than 600 mg of salt.
• Use orange juice or pineapple juice as a base for meat marinades, instead of salt.
• Look for spices and seasonings that don't contain salt.
• Don't use salt substitutes without getting your doctor's OK.