Final answer:
The primary source of sodium in the North American diet is processed and packaged foods. These foods have sodium added for preservation, flavor, and texture. Consuming less processed food and reading nutrition labels can help manage sodium intake.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary source of sodium in the North American diet is a) Processed and packaged foods. Sodium is a common additive in many types of processed foods to preserve freshness, improve flavor, and enhance texture. Food items such as soups, bread, frozen meals, and even condiments often contain added sodium. Americans on average consume around 3,436 milligrams of sodium per day, which exceeds the recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams for healthy individuals and is considerably above the advised limit of 1,500 milligrams for those with higher risks of heart disease.
To reduce sodium intake, it is suggested that people de-emphasize processed foods and focus on whole foods and healthy fats, which typically have lower levels of sodium. Many processed foods like candies, snack foods, cheeses, and even some beverages contain significant amounts of sodium. By reading nutrition labels carefully and opting for food with lower sodium content, individuals can better manage their sodium intake and reduce health risks associated with high sodium consumption, such as high blood pressure.