Is sodium good for you?

Sodium may be calorie free but that does not mean that it is good for you. The average American consumes about 3,436 milligrams of sodium a day, according to the Center for Disease Control. This is far more then the recommended amount of 2,300 milligrams.

There are many health risks associated with too much sodium including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. The majority of sodium in the U.S. comes from processed foods. The CDC recommends reducing sodium intake by reading nutrition labels, eating mostly unprocessed foods, and avoiding high-sodium condiments, such as ketchup, mustard and soy sauce. The CDC also recommends using salt alternatives, such as herbs and spices.