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Sodium Directory
Sodium, or salt, is a mineral found in many foods, sometimes in very high amounts. The typical American eats much more salt than the body needs. If you're eating more than a pinch of salt a day -- about a teaspoon -- you are eating more than recommended. Too much salt in your diet affects your body's fluid balance and can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure and kidney disease. A healthy diet is one that is low in sodium. For most adults that means no more than 1,500 milligrams per day. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about sodium, including tips for following a low-sodium diet, and much more.
Medical Reference
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What Is Borax (Sodium Tetraborate)?
Best known as a household cleaner, borax can cause several health issues if you swallow it by itself or breathe it.
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5 Tips on Reducing Salt Intake
Cut down the salt in your diet with these tips.
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The Link Between Salt and Diabetes
WebMD offers tips for lowering the amount of salt we eat.
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Low-Sodium Recipe Tips: Add Flavor Without the Salt
Lowering the sodium in your recipes. Learn about substitutions you can use and other ways to add flavor to your favorite dishes.
Features
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Salt: Don't Ban It Entirely
iodozied salt, blood pressure, iodine deficiency
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Salt: Don't Ban It Entirely
Salt is bad for blood pressure but good for brain development.
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Shaking a Salt Habit
In the seesaw experts' battle over salt and hypertension, the latest results support a low-sodium diet.
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The Salt Solution: Benefits of a Lower Sodium Diet
Most of the information on nutrition fact labels can help you remain healthy. Heeding one number in particular -- sodium levels -- just might save your life.
Video
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The Other Effects of Salt
Salt is known for raising your blood pressure. But that’s not all it can do.
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Video on 5 Salt Substitutes
You can punch up the flavor of your favorite dishes without a ton of salt. Shake it up with these tasty natural foods.
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Sugar vs. Salt: What’s Worse for Blood Pressure?
Salt has always been public enemy number one for your blood pressure. But is sugar worse?
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What's In Your Fridge?
What’s in your fridge? If you’re too scared to look then it’s probably time for a refrigerator makeover.
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: Pump Up the Flavor With Spices and Herbs
What's in your spice rack? From oregano to curry, see how to cook with herbs and spices to add flavor without fat, sugar, or salt.
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Slideshow: High-Sodium Shockers
Surprise! Salty foods can be found in places you hadn’t considered. And foods high in sodium are sometimes hard to avoid. But arm yourself with tips to make smart, low-sodium choices wherever you are.
Quizzes
Expert Commentary
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10 Most Tempting Salty Foods: French Fries, Pretzels, Pasta Sauce, and More
Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, discusses salt and sodium in foods, satisfying alternatives, and how much sodium is too much.
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Diet Myth or Truth: I Don't Need to Worry About Sodium
What's the truth about low-sodium diets? Too much sodium can increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. And two out of three Americans need to cut back.
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5 Easy Ways to Cut Back on Salt
Yes, you should still watch your sodium. Here are tips on how to do it.