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As per a recent study, an average Indian consumes 10.98 gram of salt per day, which is 119% more than the recommended limit of 5 gram per day by the World Health Organization (WHO). An excess of salt can result in high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the resultant deaths. According to the IMA, making certain lifestyle changes and limiting the intake of dietary sodiumcan help avoid risk factors for these diseases.

The Indian cuisine is high on salt. The "salt to taste" phrase becomes a misnomer in the Indian context what with its usage in curries, salads, and other dishes, and reaching extremely high levels in foods like pickles. Add to this the consumption of fast food and processed food, which further increases the chances of acquiring certain disorders.

Strategies for sodium salt reduction:

• Make reading food labels a habit
• Stick to fresh foods rather than packaged
• Avoid spices and seasonings that contain added sodium
• Check restaurant websites before dining out. Request the food to be prepared without any added salt
• Cook rice, pasta and hot cereals without salt
• Choose ready-to-eat breakfast cereals that are lower in sodium
• Rinse canned foods to remove some sodium
• Buy low-sodium, reduced-sodium, or no-sodium versions of foods
• Do not put out salt on the dining table
• Avoid achaar, paapad, chutney. They are high in salt

— Indian Medical Association