1. SALT Labels will say – Sodium
Occurs naturally in many foods including vegetables, dairy products, processed foods and condiments, such as soy sauce, processed meats, and canned soups and vegetables

2. SODIUM Macromineral (Major Element)
Necessary to regulate your blood pressure and blood volume
Makes your body hold on to fluids

3. SODIUM
Sodium level of the typical American diet ranges from 3,000-5,000 mg daily
<2,400 mg / day (= 1tsp/day)
However, endurance athletes (exercising > 2 hours in duration) need more b/c of sodium loss through sweat.

4. SODIUM Excessive consumption– Hypertension Edema
Can lead to osteoporosis because sodium can increase urinary calcium losses.
Body generally excretes excess sodium through the kidneys
Elevated risk of heart disease

5. Sodium Content of Food (mg)
Table Salt 1 tsp 2358
Pickles, dill, 1 large 1731
Canned chicken soup, 1 cup 850
Sauerkraut, 1/2 cup 780
Pretzels, 1 oz 486
Cottage cheese, 1/2 cup 459
Sardines, 3 oz 429
Deli ham, 1 oz 341
Deli turkey breast, 1 oz 335
Soy Sauce, 1 tsp 304
Cheese, American, 1 oz 304
Cornflakes, 1 cup 298
Olives, black, 5 large 192
Deli bologna 295
Potato Chips, 1 oz 183

6. TIPS Select unsalted, fat-free broths, bouillons or soups.
When dining out, be specific about what you want and how you want it prepared. Request your dish to be prepared without salt.
Learn to use spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your food instead of salt.
Remove the salt shaker from the table.
Choose fresh, frozen or canned food items without added salts.
Select unsalted nuts or seeds, dried beans, peas and lentils.
Avoid adding salt and canned vegetables to homemade dishes.
Limit packaged and processed foods.