Why Do We Eat Too Much Sodium

Sodium is a mineral and is found in salt. Table salt is the most common compound of sodium. Sodium has an important role in a human’s body. It is needed for muscle contraction, maintaining pH balance, hydration, and nerve transmissions. Sodium is also needed to pump fluid into cells while potassium brings the products out. Between 135 and 145 mEq/L is a normal level of blood sodium. Any level of 150 mEq/L or higher is considered hypernatremia. Hypernatremia could be caused by eating too much salt, which is too much sodium or by dehydration. 2,300 mg of sodium a day is a good amount for people 14 years old and older. Dealing with people that have hypertension should eat less than 1,500 mg a day. Many foods we eat daily contains so much sodium. Foods such as bacon, corned beef, pickles, olives, popcorn, crackers, cheese, soups, and etc. contains a lot of sodium. Although some foods may not taste like it’s a lot of salt or sodium in them, it’s possible that these food could contain more sodium than a food that taste very salty. Believe it or not, it’s true. Sodium attracts water and high sodium draws water into the bloodstream. This could possibly increase your hypertension, also known as blood …show more content…
have low sodiums. These foods will keep the sodium low and you will be healthier. If blood pressure is a problem for people these are the foods they should try eating. Eating foods with lower sodium will keep you on the right track.
By eating lots of sodium, blood pressure is a huge effect of that. Eating potassium daily can help lower pressure by balancing the harmful effects sodium has on the blood flowing through the body.

References http://www.gbhealthwatch.com/nutrient-sodium-overview.php http://www.myfooddiary.com/resources/nutrient_sodium.asp