Currently, approximately 8 million Thai people are sick with chronic kidney disease, with more than 100,000 people being patients with end stage renal disease (End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)) who require hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. And it is likely that Thai people will be sick with kidney disease increasing by 15-20% per year. The main cause is eating too much sodium. leading to illness from chronic non-communicable diseases (Non-communicable disease; NCDs) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease

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A recent study of 2,388 people aged 18 years and over across Thailand in the North, South, Northeast, Central and Bangkok found that Thais consumed an average of 3,636 milligrams of sodium per day. Or equal to 1.8 teaspoons of salt or about 10 teaspoons of fish sauce, almost twice the amount you should receive.

In one day it is recommended to consume no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium. It was found that people aged 18-44 years consumed the most sodium compared to people of other ages. and people who are overweight, obese, and people with high blood pressure Eat more sodium than the average person.

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This is mainly due to eating too much prepared food, home-cooked food, and processed food. This can be seen from the example of the amount of sodium in food. that Thai people eat regularly

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The results of this study have created awareness for all Thai people to urgently take care of eating more healthily. It's not just about eating less sodium. But it also includes eating less processed foods. Avoid processed foods Drinks that are high in sugar Focus on consuming whole grains such as unpolished rice and beans. A variety of fruits and vegetables to provide the body with potassium to help balance blood pressure. And choose to eat protein from meat, fish, various types of nuts or tofu, reducing the consumption of high saturated fats. which is the cause of chronic non-communicable diseases

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5 tips to reduce sodium in food along with a menu of high-sodium foods that should be avoided

1. Choose to eat freshly prepared food. Avoid eating processed foods. Instant food or fast food
2. Always taste before cooking. To reduce the addition of seasonings to food
3. Avoid pouring soup or soaking in curry to reduce sodium contaminants in food.
4. Cook your own food To control the amount of seasoning used
5. Increase the use of herbs Add smell and taste to make food more delicious.

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source

1. Chailimpamontree W, Kantachuvesiri S, Aekplakorn W, Lappichetpaiboon R, Sripaiboonkij Thokanit N, Vathesatogkit P, et al. 2. 2. 2. Estimated dietary sodium intake in Thailand: A nation‐wide population survey with 24‐hour urine collections. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension.​
2. Ingsathit A, Thakkinstian A, Chaiprasert A, Sangthawan P, Gojaseni P, Kiattisunthorn K, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in the Thai adult population: Thai SEEK study. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 2010;25(5):1567-75.​
3. Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol university. Nutrient calculation computer software INMUCAL-Nutrient V.3 database NB.3. Nakornpathom. 2013.