• Sodium = salt
• “Salt” is the term commonly used for sodium chloride (NaCl) which is table salt
• Sodium chloride = 40% sodium and 60% chloride
• Sodium is used for flavor and drying out foods to last longer
• It is necessary to live because it’s used for
  • fluid regulation in your body
  • nutrient transport

• About 90% of Americans 2 years old or older consume too much sodium
• Although the average, daily recommended sodium intake for Americans is less than 2,300mg, the actual average intake for Americans 2 years old or older is more than 3,400 mg

TIPS:

• Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, your goal should be 1500-2300mg/day
• Read the nutrition facts label
• Buy fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Rinse canned foods containing sodium (such as beans, tuna, and vegetables)
• Add spices to your food (Instead of salt, try coriander, black pepper, nutmeg, parsley, cumin, cilantro, ginger, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, tarragon, garlic or onion powder, bay leaf, oregano, dry mustard, or dill)