Too Much Sodium

High sodium consumption ranked first among diet-related cardiometabolic deaths in 2012, accounting for 9.5% of the 318,656 deaths studied. Deaths from sodium were most common among people over 65.

Your body retains water when you consume sodium, and the American Heart Association warns that having too much water in your body can strain your heart and blood vessels. The AHA recommends a daily maximum of 1,500 mg or less than 1 teaspoon of salt. In fact, sodium is a nutrient that you don't need to actively seek out. The salt content of almost all whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, meats, and dairy products, is low. The majority of salt in your diet comes from foods that have been prepared commercially, not from salt added during home cooking or even salt added at the mealtime table. Avoid processed foods, cheeses, packaged snacks, and frozen dinners to reduce your sodium intake. Choose fresh foods and flavor your meals with herbs, spices, vinegar, or citrus juices.