1. Sources: webmd.com, heart.org, mayoclinic.org, harvard.edu
Salt
Sources: webmd.com, heart.org, mayoclinic.org, harvard.edu

2. How salt affects the body
Sodium is a natural occurring mineral that your body needs.
It is used in the process that sends signals in your nerves.
It is used to contract your muscles.
It plays an important role in regulating the amount of fluid in your body – more salt means more water retention.

3. Negative affects of too much salt
Too much salt can raise your blood pressure by forcing your body to retain too much water.
When your body retains too much water it can cause an increase in blood volume; over the long-term, it can damage your heart and blood vessels.
The extra blood volume can cause long term damage to the kidneys.

4. How much is too much?
The American Heart Association recommends that all people consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.
1,500 mg of sodium is about ¾ of a teaspoon per day.

5. Common sources of excess salt
Processed meats
Many cheeses
Canned soups
Ready-to-eat meals
Fast food
Many restaurants meals

6. How to limit salt
Salt is an acquired taste; if you eat less of it your tolerance will decrease. Eventually, your taste buds will not notice the difference.
Check food labels: choose low sodium foods.
Eat fresh, non-processed foods.
Check your condiments, salad dressing, mustard, soy sauce, and hot sauce; all are usually high in salt.

7. Positive effects of potassium
Potassium can have a neutralizing effect on sodium by relaxing the blood vessels in your body.
The typical American diet has too much salt and not enough potassium.
To get more potassium, try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.