The essential minerals in salt act as important electrolytes in the body. They help to balance fluids in the blood and are essential for nerve and muscle function. But too much salt can cause a number of health issues, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. We offer our top nutrition-friendly retreats and tips for reducing your salt intake so that you can be your healthiest self.
The essential minerals in salt act as important electrolytes in the body. They help to balance fluids in the blood and are essential for nerve and muscle function. But too much salt can cause a number of health issues, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. We offer our top nutrition-friendly retreats and tips for reducing your salt intake so that you can be your healthiest self.
Shop for lower salt food
Highly processed foods are becoming more available and affordable. The accessibility of these products is increasing our salt intake drastically. We should be having less than 6 grams of salt a day - that’s less than a teaspoon! Most people consume on average 9-12 grams per day, or around twice the recommended maximum level of intake. People are also consuming less fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre (such as wholegrains), that are the key components of a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables contain potassium, which helps to reduce blood pressure. Wherever possible, avoid processed foods and shop fresh. Try to cut back on high salt snacks such ascrisps and biscuits and eat healthy alternatives. It is also important to read and compare nutrition labels and choose low salt or no added salt options.
Cook with less salt
You don't actually have to add salt to your food to eat too much of it - around 75% of the salt we eat is already in everyday foods such as bread, breakfast cereal and ready meals. Many people add salt out of habit, but it's often unnecessary and your food will taste good without it. Salt preference is an acquired taste that can be unlearned. It takes about 6-8 weeks to get used to eating food with much lower quantities of salt, but once it's done you won’t notice the difference and your body will be healthier. Get started with a healthy recipe from one of our many worldwide wellness destinations!
Cut back on sauces and dips
Salt is a chemical compound made up of sodium and chloride. And in actuality, it’s the sodium that can be detrimental to our health. The main source of sodium in our diet is salt, although it can come from sodium glutamate, used as a condiment in many parts of the world. This means that sauces and dips are very high in salt, to combat this opt for low-sodium alternatives or make your own sauces and dips from fresh ingredients, which will result in a much more satisfying flavour as well as pay health dividends!
Go on a nutrition-friendly retreat
A nutrition-friendly detox retreat is a great way to adjust your salt intake and improve healthy eating habits. With the help of professional nutritionists, you will receive expert guidance and support as well as personalised diet plans customised to your individual needs. Whether you are looking to detox, lose weight or develop a healthier diet, a nutrition-friendly retreat will allow you some time away to really focus on your health and wellness goals and discover the benefits of healthy living. Take a look at these top-rated nutrition-friendly retreats:
Introduction to Detox at Kamalaya
The benefits of a detox retreat can include improved mental clarity, purer skin, better digestion, increased energy and general improvement to the immune system. The Introduction to Detox programme at Kamalaya in Thailand is a great starting point for many health goals and ideal for people new to detoxification and cleansing. Expect to experience improved health on all levels, including internal balance and increased energy and vitality. The retreat features a range of holistic therapies for cleansing the body, mind and spirit as well as delicious and healthy detox cuisine. This low intensity programme is ideal if you want to combine your detox with other á la carte wellness treatments and therapies to really revitalise the body.
BodyHoliday, St. Lucia's luxurious island resort, provides a personal service of spa treatments, therapies and activities based on the four pillars of; exercise, good diet, restorative beauty and relaxation. Benefit from DNA testing, comprehensive body analysis and a tailor-made wellness plan using your unique genetic information with BodyHoliday’s medical programme; BodyScience. Discover which food types may be negatively impacting your health and learn how to be the healthiest you can, in both body and mind. A delicious menu designed to meet your individual health goals will ensure that you receive all the nutrients needed to fuel your stay. Experience a life-changing wellness holiday that will set you well on the path to optimal health.
Set at the foot of the Himalayas, Ananda offers unique programmes designed to extend your health and unite your body and soul. The beautiful surrounding mountains create a secluded and timeless space, where guests can relax and enjoy themselves. It’s the perfect location to escape a hectic lifestyle and start focusing on personal goals and individual needs. The detox programme at Ananda will help you make necessary changes to your diet that will be easy to transfer into your everyday lifestyle back at home. Nourish the body with a controlled diet of delicious, healthy cuisine, and improve circulation of the blood and lymphatic systems with the help of natural detox therapies. A detox retreat is beneficial to so many areas of our wellbeing, you’ll return feeling completely refreshed and equipped to make healthier choices in your day-to-day life.
Is it time you addressed your salt intake and took positives steps to improve your health? From making smarter choices to embarking on a nutrition-friendly retreat, splitting up with salt could be easier than you think!
