CLEARFIELD С Maybe it’d be better to pass on that pinch of salt, especially if it’s automatically applied before eating.
That’s the message from Bonnie Athus, senior services dietician with the Davis County Health Department.
“Use it with caution,” she urged during a presentation to the Davis County Senior Services Advisory Council meeting in Clearfield last week.
She said there are many substitutes that can provide seasoning and flavor that are more healthy, such as sea salt or Redmond, Utah salt which contains 17 minerals.
But there are also seasonings readily available of other varieties as well, Athus said.
She conducted a study on salt paid for through a grant, said Sally Kershisnik, senior services director.
Those providing food services to public entities in the county have been contacted in an effort to reduce salt content in prepared foods, Athus said.
Those vendors include the Davis School District Food Services, Davis Behavioral Health Culinary arts and Trinity Food Service, which provides meals for the senior activity centers and Meals on Wheels, as well as the Davis County Jail.
“They are reviewing their menus to determine how much sodium they are using and help them with ways to monitor their recipes,” Athus said.
Processed foods in particular typically contain a lot of salt to enhance flavor and provide longevity, she said.
“There are high blood pressure and other problems that can develop with using too much salt,” she said.
A presentation has been given to seniors attending senior center meals, with emphasis on limiting salt intake to continue, Athus said.
For more information check out the Sept. 13 edition of Davis Clipper.


