Dietary sodium

Dietary Sodium is a crucial mineral that is essential for the human body to function properly. It is primarily used for nerve and muscle function, as well as maintaining a balance of fluids in the body. However, excessive intake of dietary sodium can lead to various health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

Sources of Dietary Sodium

Dietary sodium is primarily obtained from the food we eat. It is naturally present in a variety of foods such as meat, milk, and eggs. However, the majority of dietary sodium comes from processed and restaurant foods. Some common sources of dietary sodium include:

• Salt: This is the most common source of dietary sodium. It is often added to food during cooking or at the table.
• Processed Foods: These include canned soups, frozen dinners, and processed meats. These foods often contain high levels of added sodium.
• Restaurant Foods: Many restaurant meals are high in sodium. This is especially true for fast food and chain restaurants.

Health Effects of Dietary Sodium

While sodium is necessary for the body, excessive intake can lead to a number of health problems. These include:

• Hypertension: High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, leading to hypertension. This can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Heart Disease: Excessive sodium intake can contribute to the development of heart disease by increasing blood pressure and causing damage to the heart.
• Stroke: High sodium intake can increase the risk of stroke by contributing to high blood pressure and damage to blood vessels.

Recommendations for Dietary Sodium Intake

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. This is equivalent to about 1 teaspoon of salt. However, certain groups of people should aim for a lower intake. These include:

• People with hypertension or prehypertension
• People over the age of 50
• African Americans
• People with diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease

See Also

• Salt
• Hypertension
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Dietary sodium Resources
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