QUESTION: Please discuss the danger of too much sodium in the diet. So many people appear to be addicted to soft drinks, and some even let their children drink it for breakfast! Doesn't this contribute to high blood pressure? My daughter-in-law has high blood pressure yet still drinks pop. Her doctor apparently has not cautioned her about this. - F.W.
ANSWER: I don't know where you are getting your sodium numbers, but they don't jibe with mine. The soft drinks I checked out have between 11 and 75 milligrams of sodium per bottle. Your daughter-in-law would have to drink a lot of soda pop to create a significant increase in her sodium level.You are correct, however, in recognizing the danger of excess sodium. And you are correct in acknowledging the relationship between excess sodium and high blood pressure.
The average person consumes anywhere from 2,400 to 7,200 milligrams of sodium daily. It is always a good idea for a person to be nearer the low end of the spectrum, especially if high blood pressure has reared its head.
I am not touting soft drinks as a reasonable component of anyone's diet. They have lots of empty calories and lots of sugar, and some have caffeine. I would rather see children begin their days with something more nutritious.
QUESTION: My cholesterol was too high, so I went on a low-fat diet. My sugar was a little too high, also, so I cut back on sugar intake. But I lost weight I could not afford to lose. I weigh 100 now, and I need to gain. Could you tell me a safe way to gain about 8 pounds? - R.H.
ANSWER: Go for the complex carbohydrates, such as pasta. They will make up for the fat-sugar calories you are avoiding.
I don't know just how restrictive your sugar-avoidance diet is. Are you allowed fruits? They contain sugars, but usually the patient is permitted several fruit selections, and they can help fill out your calorie deficit and contribute some to weight gain.
Even if you add but a few hundred calories a day from such sources, you should be able to gain a pound in a week or so.
My cholesterol report is available by writing: Dr. Donohue - No. 5, P.O. Box 5539, Riverton, NJ 08077. Enclose a long, self-addressed, stamped (52 cents) envelope and $3.
QUESTION: What would be considered normal cholesterol for a 15-year-old girl? Also, how much cholesterol is in one egg? I try not to eat too many of them. I try to eat foods that are low in cholesterol. - D.L.H.
ANSWER: A desirable blood cholesterol level for you is below 170.
An average egg has 213 milligrams of cholesterol. Now, that might elevate eyebrows among many of my readers. I have always listed the egg cholesterol total as 270 milligrams. However, newer findings have lowered the figure.
1992 North America Syndicate Inc.