By now, you already know that sodium is an important mineral and electrolyte in the human body. It needs sodium in order to regulate blood volume and blood pressure. In addition, it’s also important to maintain fluid balance and for proper nerve and muscle function.
These factors continue to make salt a necessary component of our diet. However, the challenge is almost never consuming enough salt in the diet.
And since the majority of sodium comes in the form of table salt, it mostly comes from processed foods and dining out.
Here are a few examples of foods that you may or may not realize are high in sodium:
Packaged food
Cured meats
Bacon
Breads
Pizza
Salad Dressings
Pickled Vegetables
Canned beans
Bouillon
Seasoned nuts
Soups
Fast food
Why Should YOU Choose Low Sodium Foods and Snacks?
Your daily salt intake can be lowered by only eating low-sodium snacks and meals. Your chances of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke will go down if you eat a low salt diet.
You can drastically alter a little part of your day by choosing low-sodium snacks.
You can reduce your daily sodium intake by hundreds of milligrams by switching from "regular," high sodium snacks to low sodium snacks.
How to know if it is low sodium on food labels?
Low sodium refers to a food item with 140 mg or less of sodium per serving. 35 mg or less of sodium per serving is what is meant by "very low sodium" on a product label.
So, does low sodium actually mean there’s no flavor?
We get this question a lot. But the answer is no, of course not! There are other ways to add flavor into your food without having to use salt.
By using different herbs and spices, it’s a great way to get flavor without the added sodium. There are many snacks that are low in sodium that are just as flavorful as the ones with high sodium alternatives.
How about “no sodium” snacks?
If you’re looking for some on-the-go no sodium snack options, you can definitely try unsalted nuts and seeds. You can even throw in a few cried cranberries for an even better flavorful sodium-free trail mix.
Snacks that are Low In Sodium And Kidney Disease
There are several low-sodium snack options that are good for your kidneys. If you need to limit, just be sure to check the label for extra phosphates, protein, and potassium levels.
The aforementioned suggested snacks are still fantastic choices for kidney warriors. They can definitely be incorporated into a renal diet by keeping servings at snack sizes.
Why is it important to have snacks for kidney diets?
Getting enough calories can be difficult when I focus on a plant-based diet for my kidney patients. Plants naturally contain fewer calories, which might cause more frequent hunger pangs and the need for between-meal snacks.
Snacks can therefore significantly help or harm your efforts to maintain renal function.
Snacking on unhealthy or low-nutrient foods can either help you achieve your goals or hinder them.
Low-Sodium Snacks You Can Try
There are a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables you can consume that are all naturally low in sodium and can make great snack options!
Here’s an example:
Fruit or Vegetables with Dip
It's always a plus when we can consume more fruits and vegetables! It can be much more pleasurable by adding flavor with a nice dip. Simply make sure your dip is low in salt as fruits and veggies are naturally low in sodium. Here, portions are crucial.
Here are some ideas you can try:
Carrot sticks and hummus
Strawberries and coconut yogurt
Celery and nut butter
Mini bell peppers with salsa
Cucumber slices with cream cheese
Apples and nut butter
But before you try this, be sure to consult with your dietitian to make sure these are safe for you to consume for your specific diet.
Crunchy yet savory snacks
As was previously noted, a lot of packaged snacks might be high in salt. These low-sodium snack suggestions are made to satiate and keep you feeling good. But take note that some of these snacks are also higher in protein, so it’s important to consult with your dietitian before incorporating these.
- Skinny Pop Popcorn
- Off the Eaten Path Veggie Crisps
- Late July Grain Free Lime and Sea Salt Tortilla Chips
- Roasted Chickpea
- Snap Pea Crisps
- Roasted Edamame
Sweet Low-Sodium Snacks
You know how sometimes you just want a little something sweet? Here are some low-sodium snacks that will satisfy your cravings without going overboard with the salt. And sure, even in sweet foods, salt can be a problem. Many businesses will include salt so they won't have to include as much sugar.
- Berries and Coconut Yogurt
- MadeGood Rice Crispy Squares
- That's It Fruit Bars
- Applesauce to-go Pouches
- Purely Elizabeth Grain Free Granola
- KIND Bars
You may get a wide variety of low sodium, low potassium, low phosphorus, and no sodium snacks at your neighborhood market or grocery shop.
Convenience stores are currently beginning to expand their selection of healthy snacks. Because of their increased accessibility to people on the go or with fewer meal options.
The Bottom Line
Those who have Chronic Kidney Disease should generally limit their daily salt consumption to 1,500 to 2,300 mg. Limiting your sodium intake could seem like a difficult chore. But one can still enjoy a lot of delectable treats while limiting their sodium intake.
You may make sodium less of a hassle by selecting snacks that are naturally lower in sodium, including fruits and vegetables. This does not preclude the usage of packaged snacks. Always read the nutrition information labels before indulging.
Your Next Step
If you want to learn more low-sodium kidney diet snacks, you can start with a FREE DISCOVERY CALL with our advisor and find out if you are a good fit for our program: https://go.renaltracker.com/ALxQ