Excessive Sodium Among Children and Older Adults

Is there a link between salty foods, overweight children, and television? Yes, according to recent scientific journals. The culprits may surprise you.

According to the research, there is strong scientific evidence linking overweight children, salty foods and snacks, and television. Television is a dominant pastime throughout the industrialized world, displacing physical activity. Advertising aimed at children feature high-calorie, poor quality food-- laden with salt and sugar. Cereal is not only loaded with sugar, but contains a high amount of sodium. Overconsumption of french fries, burgers, hot dogs, washed down with sugary soft drinks is compromising the health of children.

Older adults, especially those living in poverty, are also vulnerable to negative health consequences from overconsumption of sodium. Hot dogs and soup are cheap and easy to prepare, and are the most consumed food among older adults. One serving of canned soup contains 40% of the recommended sodium intake per day!  One serving of bread contains approximately 15% of the recommended sodium intake. When healthcare professionals recommend cutting back on salt, most people believe they should not use table salt.

Read labels, limit salty foods and snacks, and be aware of the salt content in the foods you eat.

Dr. Jan Vinita White, PhD, Gerontologist