Understanding Sodium: From Tackling Public Health Concerns to Practical Ways to Cut Back with Dr. JoAnne Arcand

Sodium is essential for our bodies, but too much can have serious consequences for our health, including raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease. Dr. JoAnne Arcand is an Associate Professor and Registered Dietitian in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University. She leads a research program that explores evidence-based approaches to the implementation of nutrition policies and interventions to enhance population-wide strategies aimed at supporting healthy eating, including dietary sodium. Her research addresses behavioural nutritional risk factors across the lifecycle, from children to older adults, for both the general public and people affected by chronic diseases. Her work is recognized by awards such as a Heart and Stroke Foundation National New Investigator Award, Hypertension Canada Young Investigator Award, and a CIHR-INMD New Investigator Award. In this episode, Dr. Arcand discusses the role of sodium on our health and strategies to reduce its intake.