Articles
Sodium: How to tame your salt habit
Sodium: How much do you need?
Sodium: Essential in small amounts
Sodium: How much is too much?
Sodium: What are the major dietary sources?
Tips for cutting back on sodium
Sodium: Be a savvy shopper
Know the label lingo
Content
What happens to sodium in the body?
How much sodium is too much?
What foods have sodium?
How do I cut back on sodium?
Check the label
Learn the lingo
Use salt substitutes wisely
Go low and take it slow
What happens to sodium in the body?
The body needs some sodium to function properly. Sodium plays a role in:
- The balance of fluids in your body
- The way nerves and muscles work
The kidneys balance the amount of sodium in the body. When sodium is low, the kidneys hold on to it. When sodium is high, the kidneys release some in urine.
If the kidneys can't eliminate enough sodium, it builds up in the blood. Sodium attracts and holds water, so the blood volume increases. The heart must work harder to pump blood, and that increases pressure in the arteries. Over time this can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of sodium than are others. That means they retain sodium more easily, which leads to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
