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 75% comes from processed and restaurant foods
• About 10-15% is added while cooking or eating
• About 5-10% occurs naturally

3,400 milligrams

Amount of sodium an American consumes on average in a day

1,500 milligrams

Recommended by the American Heart Association 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, fatty meats, sweets and sugary drinks
• Avoid trans fat

Your Health

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

• Enlarged heart muscle
• Kidney disease
• Osteoporosis
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Poor cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health
• Kidney stones
• Stomach cancer

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

• Puffiness
• Bloating
• Weight gain

View or Download Infographic
Effects of Excess Sodium (PDF)