Sodium alert: portion sizes

Is sodium the next silent killer? Recently, there has been more talk in the media about the presence of sodium in food. Sodium (chemical name: NA) is one half of the molecule salt (NaCl) and is found in alarmingly high quantities in Canadian food.

So why should you care? Because, according to Health Canada consumption of sodium can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure. While high blood pressure may not seam like a terribly dangerous condition, it is a contributing factor towards other health implications.

The website Caloriecount catalogs the nutritional information on food labels. One label says that a can of Red and White Chedder Cheese soup contains 37 per cent of one's daily intake of sodium.

But here is the catch. The serving size (that contains the 37 per cent sodium) is only 1/2 a cup. People will often sit down and eat an entire can of condensed soup (1 cup) thus doubling their intake of daily sodium (74 per cent).

The website ScienceDaily published an article on Jan. 26 discussing the decoding of sodium in processed foods.

Sodium can also affect the healthy functioning of kidneys. MedicineNet reports that excessive sodium consumption (along side excessive consumption of diet sodas) can negatively affect kidney function.
It is important to remember that sodium is an important part of a healthy functioning body. Sodium contributes to electrolyte balance and the bodies uses sodium to operate muscles; however, consuming too much sodium can have long-term health implications.

Acrylamide warning

Health Canada has released information regarding the molecular compound acrylamide. This substance is found in plant-based foods when cooked at high temperatures (think french fries, potato chips, beer battered products like fish, jalapeno poppers etc.)

At the moment it is too soon to be overly concerned about the health implications of this compound; however, it is always wise to minimize the consumption of processed and deep-fried foods.

Health-conscious Canadians should be aware of this compound. There is a possibility that this compound will become the new hot topic for the mainstream media to latch onto.

Health Canada has compiled a list of ways to minimize the consumption of acrylamide. The list is quite simple and the average household would find little difficulty in carrying through with the recommendations.

The World Health Organization recently posted an extensive FAQ section on acrylamide. It is found in certain plastics and is a known carcinogen. The problem with this compound, as with nearly all carcinogenic substances, is the challenge of establishing if there is a safe level of consumption.

The National Cancer Institute of the United States has also weighed in on this substance and supports the findings of both Health Canada and the WHO. They have published an extensive FAQ section as well.

Establishing the toxicity of acrylamide will take time. Stay tuned to the CanHealthReport for future developments.

Are video games good?

When we were young, our parents would despair at the hours we spent in front of the television playing video games. "Go outside," they would say. "Get some fresh air."

Grudgingly, we would, but would often be back in front of the screen later that same day. So, what happens if playing video games is actually good for you?

According to a recent article on medicine.net, playing video games might just help the elderly to remain mentally active and alert.

While playing video games can be a fun way to keep mentally active, it will never replace the need to go outside and get some fresh air. But then again, we should be doing both.

re: Trans Fat Voluntary Reduction Phase

In 2005, the Canadian government commissioned a two-year period for industry to voluntarily reduce trans fats in Canadian foods. It was believed that a self-regulating industry was preferable to introducing legislation. Over the course of the two year period, a report was commissioned every six months examining levels of trans fats in Canadian foods.
Recently, the two-year anniversary of the end of that period was marked. The Heart and Stroke Foundation, which is for the removal of as much trans fat from our food as possible, sent out a press release calling attention to the fact that very little has been done in the two years since the ending of the study period. The HSF wants legislation introduced to regulate the amount of trans fats in Canadian foods.

Frightening YouTube Video

In the media we often here about the dangers of processed food. Pre-packaged snacks like Twinkies are seen as a major health concern by many. The issue lies in the preservatives that are manufactured to keep the product fresh and consumable months, if not years, after packaging. This YouTube video demonstrates the resilience of some of the ingredients in this Twinkie.

CanHealth Report is Launched

We are live. Welcome to the CanHealth Report blog. Over the coming weeks I will be posting information on matters of public health and interest. Do you often find that news and research about health matters is written beyond most comprehension? Do you wonder if some health concerns are as dangerous as the media makes them out to be? Stop by the CanHealth Report every now and again and join the discussion.