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A recent survey by the Consensus for Action on Salt and Health (CASH) has revealed that a slice of bread from a standard loaf can contain as much salt as a packet of crisps – up to a third of the daily intake recommended by doctors and medical insurance providers. Other findings included evidence that fresh baked bread tends to have a higher salt content than pre-packaged varieties, and the highest salt levels tend to be found in bread from high street chain bakeries. Many people don’t realise just how many foodstuffs contain high levels of salt. Even if you never actively add table salt to your meals, it’s easy to consume potentially dangerous amounts on everything from processed foods and bread to coffee and hot chocolate. CASH reports that on average, adults in the UK consume 8.6 grams of salt per day – significantly over the 6 grams per day recommended by the Food Standards Agency. Excessive salt consumption can pose serious health risks, primarily through increasing your chances of developing high blood pressure. This in turn can lead to heart disease, diabetes and strokes. As we get older the risk of developing these problems increases, but of the 150,000 people who have a stroke in the UK every year on average, around 31,000 are under 60. Too much salt can also be particularly damaging to children and young adults. The kidneys of smaller children can’t filter salt as well as adults can, while older children who routinely eat foods with high salt-content run a greater risk of developing bad eating habits in later life. The best way to reduce your salt intake is to pay closer attention to the nutritional information labels found on most foods. Try to buy bread that contains a maximum of 1g of salt per 100g, or about 0.4g per slice. Be aware of speciality breads such as rye and sunflower, which are often perceived as healthier choices but can be deceptively high in salt. Buying medium sliced loaves rather than thick, or cutting unsliced bread into thinner slices can also help. If you’re concerned that you might be at risk of the health problems associated with high salt intake, it’s important to speak to a doctor at the earliest opportunity. The earlier a potential health risk is identified, the greater the chance that it can be prevented or successfully treated. Many people put themselves in even greater danger by waiting for a health problem to strike before seeking help. Obtaining private medical insurance can help you to deal with the costs of non-emergency medical procedures, such as regular check-ups, prescriptions and X-rays. Many health insurance providers can provide tailored health care options that reflect your budget and needs. Sovereign Health Care is dedicated to providing affordable health insurance services. Established solely for the benefit of its customers and the wider community, through the provision of competitively priced health care plans.
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How hidden salt in foods could be putting your health at risk
