Nova Scotia

N.S. hospitals reducing sodium intake

As of Thursday, salt will be harder to find at more hospitals across Nova Scotia.

Beginning Thursday, salt will be harder to find at more hospitals across Nova Scotia.

Under a province-wide initiative to reduce sodium intake at hospitals salt shakers and salt packets are being removed from cafeterias, and meal trays served to patients as well.

The Capital District Health Authority introduced a low-sodium menu in 2010 and now the rest of the district health authorities are getting on board.

The change comes on the heels of an Ontario study that found most hospital meals contained too much salt.

On average, Canadians consume 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, which is 1,100 milligrams over the recommended levels.

Too much salt increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

At least three-quarters of that sodium comes from processed foods

Pauline MacEachern, director of Food Services for the Cape Breton District Health Authority, says a hospital stay is another opportunity to teach people about healthier eating.

"You don't always need to add extra salt — taste your food first, we are using a lot of herbs and spices, and different ways to make foods more tasty than they were in the past, we we're so dependant on salt flavours," MacEachern said.

If patients want salt they'll have to request it.