New U.S. Dietary Guidelines Focus on Salt Reduction - Targets African Americans

New U.S. Dietary Guidelines Focus on Salt Reduction -

Targets African Americans

Today, the Federal Government provided new and improved dietary guidelines for all Americans, and are the first new guidelines since 2005. The new guidelines focus mostly on salt intake, recommending that Americans limit their daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon) a day for most people. However, as a strong statement to the African-American population, the guidelines go further suggesting that they cut their salt intake even further to less thatn 1,5000 milligrans. These sharper guidelines also apply to people aged 51 or older, and people who have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, regardless of their age. While it's true that statistics show African Americans suffer from these diseases at a disproportionate rate when compared to the rest of the American population, we wonder why the stricter guidelines wouldn't just be applied to all Americans, considering the current obesity crisis in this country. What do you think? Are the targeted guidelines for different races, ages, etc. a progressive approach to tackle problems in those specific communities, or would a general diagnosis for all Americans prove more worth-while?

Highlighted Clip for Monday, January 31, 2011:

New U.S. diet guidelines urge less salt, more dairy

Nanci Hellmich

Many Americans' diets are a train wreck loaded with junk food, fast food, sugary beverages and too few healthful foods.