Sodium is essential in small amounts. Typical eating patterns in Australia often go well above the suggested dietary target, largely because sodium is already in bread, cheese, processed meats, sauces, stock, and many ready meals.
The salt shaker is visible; the milligrams in a sandwich are not. Comparing per 100 g figures on packs is more useful than assuming “savoury” equals “high” and “sweet” equals “low”. Some breakfast cereals and sweet biscuits are also significant sources.
Reducing sodium is usually a pattern change: choosing lower-sodium versions when they exist, cooking a sauce once instead of relying on a bottle every night, and noticing restaurant meals as a separate category. People with specific medical conditions should follow clinical advice rather than a general article.
Download EatAlyze App to help monitor sodium and any other nutrient of your choice. EatAlyze is absolutely free. Go to https://eatalyze.australians.com to download.
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