Sodium is an essential nutrient. It works in the body to regulate blood pressure and maintain fluid balance. As critical a mineral as it is, excess sodium intake can increase blood pressure because it holds excess fluid in the body, putting extra strain on the heart and increased incidence of heart disease and stroke.1The vast majority of Americans exceed the recommended limit for sodium in the diet. An average American has 3,400 milligrams (mg) each day, nearly 50% more than the amount recommended by the American Heart Association and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.2 These and other public health organizations recommend limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg a day.2 The limit is set even lower for the 70 million Americans with high blood pressure or risk factors for high blood pressure (over age 51, African American, diabetes, chronic kidney disease). Those at risk should have no more than 1,500 mg a day?
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