Did you know that the recommended sodium intake by the American Heart Association (AHA) should not exceed 1,500 milligrams per day? However, most people actually consume more than twice that number-about 3,400 milligrams.

According to research, at least 9 out of 10 people exceed the dietary limit for sodium intake. What is shocking is that the majority of the sodium we consume comes directly from food processing. You will discover that even foods that may not taste salty are loaded with high quantities of sodium.

Sodium is a mineral needed by the body to function well. It helps maintain fluid balance, regulate nerves and muscles, and control blood volume and pressure, to say the least.

However, too much of anything isn't always a good thing. That's why there are regulations as to how much is recommended for daily consumption according to experts. Excessive sodium consumption may result in problems with heart and blood pressure. This is why people with kidney diseases and high blood pressure are strictly advised to watch their sodium consumption.

This guide is designed to give you some basic information about sodium and then provide you with a list of recommended food items with low sodium content. Sample recipes are also offered at the end.

In this guide, you will learn:

Reasons why too much sodium is bad for your health How to count sodium Foods high in sodium Foods low in sodium Sodium food list and their sodium content