Sodium is always a hot topic. The body cannot function without sodium, but how much is too much?

We often hear warnings about sodium and how bad it is for our blood pressure. We are also told that in increases our risk for heart disease and stroke. The major health organizations (The American Heart Association (AHA), American Diabetes Association (ADA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), etc.) recommends that we eat between 1500 mg to 2300 mg per day. That equals about 3/4 to 1 teaspoon salt per day. Due to processed foods, most people consume much more than that.

Sodium is a crucial electrolyte to the body and is needed for muscle contractions, nerve transmissions, controlling the pH balance, and hydration. Sodium regulates the fluid outside of the cells and is needed to pump fluid into the cells as potassium carries by-products out. Many foods contain small amounts of sodium naturally, but most of the sodium in the diet comes from salt. Table salt contain 40% sodium. Unlike other minerals, sodium also has a distinct taste.

So how do you keep your salt and sodium consumption down? The easiest way is to eat "clean" - wholesome natural foods - and stay away from processed foods (manufactures add salt for extra taste). Cook with sea salt and Himalayan pink salt since they contain various trace nutrients. This way you don't ever need to worry about reading labels and tracking your salt intake!