Our bodies need some sodium since it is a nutrient, but overdoing it can lead to health problems. The difficult part is that sodium “hides” in foods such as processed and fast foods. The amount is high in restaurant foods, so watch what you eat when you go out to dinner.

Too much sodium in your diet can lead to high blood pressure. The pressure within your veins and arteries builds up, making your heart work harder to pump blood through your circulatory system. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because there really is no warning sign for it. This type of pressure can lead to tissue and organ damage, plaque in the arteries, and several other medical issues.

Unfortunately, about 77% of American’s sodium intake is from prepackaged and restaurant foods. It is not a matter of not using your table’s salt shaker. It is a matter of adjusting your diet so that you do not eat processed foods and restaurant foods. Read prepackaged foods’ labels and choose those that have minimal salt added. Plan your meals on the weekend for the entire week. Go to recipe websites that have “reduced sodium” recipes for your meals. Just a little work in this direction will help you tremendously reduce your salt consumption.

Some people have more of a risk of developing high blood pressure due to sodium intake. Those who have diabetes, those who suffer from kidney disease, and those over the age of 50 are at greater risk of cardiovascular problems from sodium. If you are in the higher risk category, it is always advantageous to consult with your doctor and have regular check-ups.

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