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S O D I U M

What is sodium?

Sodium is a mineral that the body uses to regulate blood pressure. Sodium also helps muscles and nerves work properly. Salt (sodium chloride) is the most common source of added sodium in food, but baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), MSG (monosodium glutamate) and many other seasonings and preservatives also contain sodium.

How much should I eat every day?

The National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences recommends an approximate daily range of 1,100 to 3,300 milligrams of sodium for adults. The American Heart Association recommends that for every 1,000 calories of food consumed, the sodium intake should be 1,000 milligrams and should not exceed the 3,000 milligram limit. The average intake in the United States is between 4,000 and 5,000 milligrams of sodium per day.

What foods are high in sodium?

Sodium occurs naturally in celery, milk, beets and drinking water, and is added to many other foods -- as a preservative in processed meats like ham and sausage -- and as a flavor enhancement in most canned soups. Fast food also generally contains a lot of sodium.

What happens if I eat too much?

In healthy people, excess sodium is eliminated through the kidneys. However, in individuals who are sensitive to salt, high sodium intake has been linked to high blood pressure.