Sodium is dissolved in the blood and plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure. Sodium attracts and holds water, so the sodium in the blood helps maintain the liquid portion of the blood. Your kidneys regulate sodium levels carefully to prevent levels from getting too high or too low.

Sodium is Important for:

• Controlling blood pressure
• Regulating the function of muscles and nerves

Signs of Deficiency:

• Muscle spasms
• Cramps
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Signs of Toxicity:

• If you consume too much sodium, your body may hold onto extra water, increasing the volume of your blood. Since your blood vessels cannot expand to accommodate this increased blood volume, your blood pressure will rise.
• High blood pressure is a risk factor for many diseases, including heart problems and stroke.

The FDA recommends that individuals consume no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium per day (Source).

The words “salt” and “sodium” are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. Salt (also known by its chemical name, sodium chloride) is a crystal-like compound that is abundant in nature and is used to flavor and preserve food. Sodium is a mineral, and one of the chemical elements found in salt.

1 teaspoon of salt = 2,325mg of sodium

90% of Americans get too much sodium due to processed foods, fast food, and salty snacks.

Dietary potassium can balance sodium consumption by lowering blood pressure.