How too Much Sodium Affects Your Health

Excess Levels of Sodium: How too much sodium affects your health

9 out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium.

Where does sodium come from?

More than 70% comes from processed and restaurant foods

About 11% is added while cooking or eating

More than 14% occurs naturally

3,400 milligrams

Amount of sodium an American consumes on average in a day

1,500 milligrams

Recommended by the AHA for ideal heart health

Shake Out Salt

Keep your sodium intake in check as part of an overall heart-healthy eating pattern that emphasizes:

• Variety of fruits and vegetables 
• Whole-grain foods 
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy products 
• Skinless poultry and fish 
• Nuts and legumes 
• Non-tropical vegetable oils 
• Limiting saturated fat, , sodium, red meat, sweets and sugary drinks 
• Avoid trans fat 

Your Health

Excess levels of sodium/salt may put you at risk for:

• Enlarged heart muscle
• Headaches 
• Kidney disease 
• Osteoporosis 
• Stroke 
• Heart failure 
• High blood pressure 
• Kidney stones 
• Stomach cancer 

Excess levels of sodium/salt may cause increased water retention that leads to:

• Puffiness
• Bloating
• Weight gain

Heart.org/sodium

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