On the shelves at grocery stores or specialty markets you might see more than one choice; table salt, fleur de sel, sea salt, Kosher salt and salt substitutes (Mrs. Dash, No Salt, etc.). How do you know which one to choose? Just know that all of the different types of salt will provide the same amount of sodium, the cause of health issues. The only exception will be your salt substitutes since they are manufactured for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease. Some people like to state that sea salt is “natural” and a “healthier alternative” but just know it will cause the same effects as regular table salt. Even the fancy pink, grey and finishing salts are all basically the same; they just have a different flavor depending on where they were harvested from.

Some sources of salt can be hard to find if you don’t know the scientific language used on food labels. Monosodium glutamate, sodium chloride, monosodium chloride are all sources of salt. It can be found in soy sauce, baked goods, cheese and canned goods. Beware of the choices you make daily. Choose lower salt or no salt varieties when offered, especially with canned goods. Or, if you are able, prepare your own foods. This allows you to control the amount of salt added to recipes. Avoid placing the salt shaker on the dinner table, for some the temptation is too strong to resist.