The American Medical Association (AMA) in an effort to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, has passed new policies to help change the way Americans think about salt. The AMA is urging the the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revoke the ‘generally recognized as safe’ status of salt with the aim of reducing sodium intake throughout America. AMA Board Member, cardiologist Dr. J. James Rohack, says they hope the recommendations will encourage food manufacturers and restaurants to modify their current practices of adding unhealthy amounts of sodium to their products. Dr. Rohack says cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans and people who reduce their dietary sodium intake are taking an important step in preventing future health problems. Research has shown that most Americans consume two to three times the amount of sodium that is healthy, and an excess of sodium increases the risk of developing hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Apparently as much as 75 to 80 percent of the daily intake of sodium comes from processed and restaurant foods. Dr. Rohack says one cup of canned soup can contain more than 50 percent of the FDA recommended daily allowance, […]