Final answer:
Excessive sodium intake can increase the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and kidney disease due to its effect on raising blood pressure. It is recommended to consume less than 2300 mg of sodium per day and to be cautious with processed foods, which often contain high levels of sodium.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consuming too much salt puts you at risk of several health issues. A 2010 report by the US Department of Agriculture highlighted that excessive sodium intake significantly raises blood pressure, leading to an increased risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, and kidney disease. The average person only requires around 500 mg of sodium daily, but most North Americans consume much more, with an average intake of 3,436 milligrams per day. To moderate sodium consumption, it is recommended to consume less than 2300 mg/day, avoid processed foods, reduce added salt, and read food labels for sodium content.
Furthermore, the imbalance of sodium and potassium in the American diet can have adverse health outcomes. Reducing the amount of sodium ingested daily involves not adding salt to foods and being mindful of the high sodium content present in processed and manufactured foods. Balancing mineral intake is crucial as too little calcium may lead to osteoporosis while excessive sodium can result in high blood pressure.