Overview
Consumption of sodium has been linked to many severe health conditions. Sodium chloride, also known as common table salt, is a common source of sodium. When taken in high quantities, it can have negative effects on your health. According to Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, excess consumption of sodium increases your blood volume and as a result increases blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure [1] may also increase your risk of developing serious conditions such as stroke [2] and heart disease [3].
In the right quantity, sodium helps maintain a wide variety of bodily functions such as controlling fluid balance, sending nerve impulses, and moving out muscles. What is the right amount of sodium to consume per day? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily recommendation for sodium is 2,300 milligrams (mg) or just 1 teaspoon. You can consume as low as 1,000 mg per day to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
To reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions, it is important to stay away from foods that have high levels of sodium. Asides from the common salty foods like French fries and popcorn, there are other less obvious foods that contain high levels of sodium. Do you want to learn about these foods? Join me as we discuss 10 high-sodium foods that could wreak havoc on your health.