14 Best Low Sodium Foods for People with Hypernatremia

Hypernatremia is a health condition where there is too much salt in the blood. If you have hypernatremia, eat foods with less salt to take care of your condition properly.

A low sodium diet means eating less salty foods and choosing foods that naturally have less salt in them.

In this blog, we will talk about 14 best low sodium foods that are good for people with hypernatremia.

We’ll also share their nutritional information and some serving ideas.

Benefits of Low Sodium Diet for Hypernatremia

Low sodium foods offers several benefits for people with high levels of sodium in blood. Here are some of the advantages:

• Consuming low sodium foods helps regulate fluid balance in the body, preventing excessive fluid buildup and reducing the risk of swelling and edema.
• A low sodium diet lightens the workload on the kidneys, promoting optimal kidney function. It eases the strain on these organs by reducing the amount of sodium they need to filter out of the blood.
• Lowering sodium intake controls blood pressure levels which is important for people with hypernatremia.
• Eating a low sodium diet lowers your chances of developing heart diseases.

14 Best Low Sodium Foods for People With Hypernatremia

The amount of sodium you should consume each day depends on your age, health conditions, and dietary needs.

Most health organizations suggest that, adults should aim to limit their sodium intake to a maximum of 2,300 mg per day.

However, for individuals with high blood pressure, kidney disease, and other health conditions, it is often recommended to further reduce sodium intake to around 1,500 mg per day.

If your body is showing symptoms of hypernatremia, here are some low sodium foods you can incorporate into your diet.

1. Oranges

Oranges are not only delicious but also low in sodium, making them a great choice for individuals with hypernatremia.

They are rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. One medium-sized orange contains only 1 mg of sodium.

Enjoy oranges as a refreshing snack or add them to salads for a burst of flavor.

2. Kale

Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is low in sodium and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

One cup of raw kale contains about 24 mg of sodium.

Incorporate kale into salads, stir-fries, or blend it into smoothies for a nutritious boost.

Chop kale into bite-sized pieces and toss it with a dressing of your choice, such as lemon vinaigrette.

Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.

3. Carrots

Carrots are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed raw. They are low in sodium and high in beta-carotene, vitamin K, and dietary fiber.

One medium-sized carrot contains only 42 mg of sodium.

Snack on carrot sticks with hummus or add them to soups and stews for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a legume rich in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

They are a low sodium alternative to canned beans. One cup of cooked kidney beans contains 2 mg of sodium.

Combine cooked kidney beans with diced tomatoes, chopped onions, bell peppers, and cucumber.

Toss them with a dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.

You can also add some corn kernels for extra flavor.

5. Tofu

Tofu is a popular soy-based protein source that is low in sodium and cholesterol-free. It is rich in iron, calcium, and contains all essential amino acids.

One serving of tofu typically contains less than 10 mg of sodium.

Crumble tofu and cook it with spices like turmeric, cumin, and nutritional yeast to create a flavorful vegan alternative to scrambled eggs.

Add veggies like onions, spinach, and bell peppers for extra taste.

6. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a low sodium dairy product that is high in protein and calcium. It can be a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

Half a cup of cottage cheese contains around 240 mg of sodium.

Top a bowl of cottage cheese with fresh fruits like berries, and sliced bananas.

Add a drizzle of honey syrup and sprinkle some granola for added crunch.

Spread cottage cheese on whole-grain toast and layer it with sliced avocado, tomato, cucumber, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

It’s a delicious and nutritious option for breakfast.

7. Skim Milk

Skim milk is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein while being low in sodium.

One cup of skim milk typically contains around 120 mg of sodium.

If you enjoy adding milk to your coffee, opt for skim milk. It provides a lighter and lower-fat option for your hot beverages.

Use skim milk as a base for your smoothies. Blend it with bananas, and add a handful of spinach for an extra nutritional boost.

8. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and lignans.

They are low in sodium and can be a beneficial addition to a low sodium diet. Two tablespoons of flaxseeds contain less than 5 mg of sodium.

Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to your favorite smoothie recipe. They will provide a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Incorporate ground flaxseeds into your baked goods such as muffins, bread.

They can be used as an egg substitute by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with three tablespoons of water for each egg in the recipe.

9. Eggs

Eggs are a nutrient-rich food that is low in sodium and high in protein.

They provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. One large egg has about 70 mg of sodium.

Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, season with salt and pepper, and cook them in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

You can customize them by adding vegetables, cheese, herbs, or cooked meats.

Chop hard-boiled eggs and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, diced celery, onions, salt, and pepper. Spread the egg salad on bread or use it as a filling for wraps.

10. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that is low in sodium.

They are rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

One medium-sized sweet potato contains only about 70 mg of sodium.

Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and spices like paprika, and bake them in the oven until crispy.

Dice sweet potatoes and sauté them with onions, bell peppers, and your choice of protein such as bacon.

Season with herbs and spices and serve as a hearty breakfast.

11. Lettuce

Lettuce is a versatile and refreshing leafy green vegetable that’s naturally low in sodium.

It is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber.

One cup of lettuce typically contains less than 5 mg of sodium.

Create a healthy salad by combining lettuce with other low sodium vegetables and a light vinaigrette.

Use lettuce leaves as wraps instead of high-sodium tortillas. Add lettuce to sandwiches for extra crunch and nutrition.

12. Peaches

Peaches are delicious fruits that are low in sodium and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

A medium-sized peach contains only 0.4 mg of sodium, making it an excellent choice for individuals with hypernatremia.

Enjoy fresh, ripe peaches as a healthy snack. Add sliced peaches to salads for a burst of natural sweetness.

Blend peaches into smoothies or make homemade peach sorbet.

13. Soy Milk

For individuals with hypernatremia who are looking for a low sodium alternative to cow’s milk, soy milk can be an excellent choice.

It is a plant-based milk rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients.

Unsweetened soy milk typically contains around 80 mg of sodium per cup, making it a low sodium option.

Enjoy soy milk as a standalone beverage or use it in smoothies.

Use soy milk as a substitute for cow’s milk in recipes such as pancakes.

14. Mustard

Mustard is a flavorful condiment that adds a tangy kick to your meals.

Unlike many other condiments, mustard is typically low in sodium.

A teaspoon of mustard contains roughly 55 mg of sodium, which is lower than alternatives like ketchup.

Use mustard as a dip for fresh vegetables. Spread mustard on sandwiches instead of high-sodium spreads.

Takeaway

It’s important for people with hypernatremia to follow a low sodium diet.

Incorporating foods that are low in sodium can help you get the necessary nutrients while keeping sodium levels in check.

There are many low sodium food options available, such as oranges, kale, kidney beans, and sweet potatoes, that can add variety to your diet.

Remember to seek guidance from a registered dietitian to customize your diet based on your specific needs and health conditions.

By adopting a flavorful and healthy low sodium lifestyle, you can still effectively manage hypernatremia while enjoying your meals.