Urinalysisâthis is a routine test that can detect protein in the urine as well as red blood cells and white blood cells. These are not normally found in the urine and, if present, may indicate kidney disease.
The National Health and Medical Research Council has set an âAdequate Intakeâ of 20â40 mmol (460â920 mg) of sodium per day. This corresponds to 1.15â2.3 grams of salt. Most Australian adults have a daily salt intake of about 10 grams, i.e. many times the maximum value of the Adequate Intake range. A âSuggested Dietary Targetâ of 1600 mg of sodium (equivalent to about 4 grams of salt) has been set for Australian adults.
Getting the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D every day helps offset bone loss from salt. Adults up to age 50 require 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily -- the equivalent of three 8-ounce glasses of milk.