SODIUM AND ANUNHEALTHY HEARTSodium can increase blood pressure since it holds excess fluid in your body, creating an added stress to your heart.

Most Americans consume about 3,400 mg a day, but the American Heart Association recommends only 1,500 milligrams.

3,400 mgAVERAGE

1,500 mgRECOMMENDED

VSKeep in mind: 1⁄4 teaspoon of table salt = 575 mg sodium

1⁄4 teaspoon salt 575 mg sodium

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MYTH: Adding salt to your food is the largest contributor to overconsumption

FACT: The largest contributor to salt consumption (75% of our intake) is processed foods

To control your salt intake, read food packaging labels. Food labels cannot claim a product is “healthy” if there is more than 480 mg of sodium per serving.