Effects of Excess Sodium Infographic

Excess Sodium Infographic

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Excess Levels of Sodium: How too much sodium affects your health

9 out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium.

Where does sodium come from?

More than 70% comes from processed and restaurant foods

About 11% is added while cooking or eating

More than 14% occurs naturally

3,400 milligrams

Amount of sodium an American consumes on average in a day

1,500 milligrams

Recommended by the AHA for ideal heart health

Shake Out Salt

Keep your sodium intake in check as part of an overall heart-healthy eating pattern that emphasizes:

  • Variety of fruits and vegetables
  • Whole-grain foods
  • Fat-free or low-fat dairy products
  • Skinless poultry and fish
  • Nuts and legumes
  • Non-tropical vegetable oils
  • Limiting saturated fat, , sodium, red meat, sweets and sugary drinks
  • Avoid trans fat

Your Health

Excess levels of sodium/salt may put you at risk for:

  • Enlarged heart muscle
  • Headaches
  • Kidney disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney stones
  • Stomach cancer

Excess levels of sodium/salt may cause increased water retention that leads to:

  • Puffiness
  • Bloating
  • Weight gain

Heart.org/sodium

© Copyright 2022 American Heart Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.  

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