Final answer:
Excessive amounts of salt can increase blood pressure and the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. Recommendations for North Americans include limiting sodium intake to less than 2300 mg/day and reducing consumption of processed foods and table salt.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excessive amounts of salt can lead to various health issues. According to a report by the US Department of Agriculture, excessive sodium intake is linked to an increase in blood pressure, which is a common risk factor for stroke, coronary heart disease, and kidney disease. Most North Americans consume much more than the body's requirement of salt, primarily due to processed and manufactured foods, with an average intake of 3,436 milligrams of sodium per day. This is well above the recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams per day for healthy individuals and 1,500 milligrams for those at increased risk for heart disease. To manage salt consumption, it is advised to limit the intake of processed foods, read labels for sodium content, reduce use of table salt, and opt for foods with lower sodium numbers. Instead of sugary drinks, drinking water is recommended. Also, using herbs and spices other than salt can contribute to a reduction in sodium intake. For athletes or individuals engaged in strenuous exercise, managing water intake is important to prevent dilution of the body's salt content, a condition known as hyponatria.