Is salt bad for you?

Salt is not unhealthy when consumed in moderation. The body needs a small amount of sodium to maintain balanced fluid levels in the body, transmit nerve impulses and to help the muscles contract and relax, according to Mayo Clinic.

When sodium intake is too high and the kidneys can't eliminate the excess, sodium builds up in the bloodstream. This increases blood volume inside the arteries, causing blood pressure to rise and the heart to work harder. If the body stays in this state without treatment, sodium retention can lead to heart disease, kidney failure and stroke, according to Mayo Clinic.