Prince George, B.C. – Pass the pepper, but skip the salt. A new report indicates Canadians consume, on average, twice as much sodium as they should and the provinces are working together do something about it. 

An action report “’Reducing the Sodium Intake of Canadians: A Provincial and Territorial Report on Progress and Recommendations for Future Action’ outlines the steps provinces ( with the exception of Quebec) and territories are taking, or will take, to lower sodium intake. 

(click on  photo at right to read the  full report)

Too much salt in your diet can cause a number of health problems such as high blood pressure. It is also a major cause of cardiovascular disease and a risk factor for stroke and kidney disease. There is also evidence a diet high in sodium is a risk factor for osteoporosis, stomach cancer and asthma.  

B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall says reducing sodium intake can have long term benefits “We can help prevent or delay a large proportion of cardiovascular or other health-related events and help Canadians stay healthier in the long term."  

Provinces and territories have committed to reduce sodium intake to a population average of 2,300 mg per person, per day by 2016. That is still well above the recommended daily sodium intake for adults( 1500 mg) but most of us consume more than twice the recommended amount. 

The sodium report focuses on action in four key areas: lowering sodium in the food supply, awareness and education, research, and monitoring and evaluation.