Sodium

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Sodium

Sodium is a naturally occurring mineral that the body needs to function properly. But too much sodium can cause problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart failure, or make problems worse.

Salt is the most familiar source of sodium. Sodium is often hidden in foods that don't taste salty, such as cheddar cheese and processed foods. Sodium is also a major ingredient of monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium phosphate, and baking powder.

Most people get far more sodium than they need. The body needs only 500 mg of sodium per day. Anything over 2,500 mg of sodium per day is probably too much.

If you want to cut back on the sodium in your diet:

Limit ready-mixed sauces and seasonings, frozen dinners, canned soups, and salad dressings, which usually contain a lot of sodium. Products labeled "low sodium" contain less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.
Eat lots of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. These foods have very little sodium.
Don't put the salt shaker on the table, or get a shaker that lets very little salt come out. Use light salt or salt substitute sparingly.
Always measure the salt in recipes and use half of what is called for.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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