Kids Ask: Can I be Salt Free?

Empowering our children with the knowledge of healthy eating is an essential investment in their long-term health. As you guide your little ones towards a healthier diet, you might run
into some playful and curious questions about salt and nutrition.

Fear not! Here are some expert responses to help you navigate these conversations with ease and confidence.

by KEVIN YIEW

Can I die from eating too much salt?
CAN
Table salt is made up of 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Sodium attracts water, hence consuming too much salt will cause our body to draw more water into our blood. This increases blood volume, which raises blood pressure. Over time, this process could result in high blood pressure. If left untreated, blood vessels could be damaged, leading to severe complications, such as stroke and heart failure, and consequently putting your life at risk.

Adopt a healthy balanced diet that is low in sodium. Be sure to clock an average of 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per day (for those aged 7 to 17) to reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

Can I eat any food I want as long as I do not add salt and seasonings?
CANNOT
Sodium is not only found in table salt and seasonings, but also in processed foods such as pastries, tomato sauce and cereals, all of which may not taste salty to some people. Salt is often added to processed foods to extend their shelf life, enhance flavour and improve texture and appearance.

Always read the Nutrition Information Panel on the packaging to check a food product’s sodium content. For children over seven years old, it is recommended that they do not consume more than five grams of salt (equivalent to 2,000mg of sodium) per day.

Can I exercise more to offset all the unhealthy food that I eat?
CANNOT
Exercise is important for maintaining your overall well-being. However, the positive effects of exercise are limited if we stick to a poor diet. The only way to protect our bodies from the harmful effects of consuming excessive salt is to limit our salt intake.

So, the next time you reach for a bag of potato chips, do yourself a favour. Remind yourself that they are high in sodium, unhealthy fats and calories, and will likely bring you a few steps closer to high blood pressure and other health problems.