Case Study: Too Much Sodium

Excess sodium in Jacie's body is _____.

excreted by the kidneys

Which food item should Jacie add to her diet to lower her sodium intake?

fish

Jacie visits her doctor, who discusses the health implications of her diet and noted some health concerns that may have arisen in part due to Jacie's diet. Which condition is most likely caused by Jacie's current diet?

hypertension

If Jacie maintains her current diet, she may develop _____.

osteoporosis

Jacie is a 27-year-old chef in an Italian restaurant—and she loves food. While at work, Jacie often consumes large amounts of the freshly prepared breads, but she believes she balances this out well by consuming some of the fresh vegetables. However, many of the vegetables are sautéed in a salty vinaigrette. Since Jacie spends most of her day cooking at work, she tends to eat fast foods as well as processed and canned foods in the evening because they are easy meals. On an average day, Jacie's sodium consumption is 2,500 mg. High blood pressure runs in Jacie's family, and Jacie's mother is concerned about Jacie's dietary pattern. Jacie tells her mom that she is too busy to change her habits and too young to be concerned about her health. What is the Tolerable Upper Intake of sodium according to the National Research Council? Does Jacie's sodium intake exceed this?

2,300 mg; yes

Which substitution would you recommend for Jacie to make in her diet to lower her sodium intake?

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned fruits and vegetables.