Articles
Sodium: How to tame your salt habit
Sodium: How much do you need?
Sodium: Essential in small amounts
Sodium: How much is too much?
Sodium: What are the major dietary sources?
Tips for cutting back on sodium
Sodium: Be a savvy shopper
Know the label lingo
Content
What happens to sodium in the body?
How much sodium is too much?
What foods have sodium?
How do I cut back on sodium?
Check the label
Learn the lingo
Use salt substitutes wisely
Go low and take it slow
Use salt substitutes wisely
Salt substitute is made by replacing some or all the sodium with potassium, magnesium or another mineral. To achieve that familiar salty taste, you may use too much of the substitute — and get too much sodium.
The potassium in some salt substitutes may be a problem for some people. Too much potassium can be harmful for people with kidney problems or who take medicines that cause potassium retention, such as ones used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.