Are you getting too much salt? Here's where sodium sneaks into your diet and ways you can shake the habit. You need to keep in mind that your body needs some sodium to function properly because it helps maintain the right balance of fluids in your body, helps transmit nerve impulses,and influences the contraction and relaxation of muscles, Your kidneys regulate the amount of sodium kept in your body. When sodium levels are low, your kidneys conserve sodium. When levels are high, they excrete the excess amount in urine.

Various organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, have published recommendations for daily sodium intake. Most recommend between 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams (mg) a day for healthy adults. A lower sodium intake has a more beneficial effect on blood pressure. You can control your sodium intake by eating more fresh foods and fewer processed foods. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Also, fresh meat is lower in sodium than luncheon meat, bacon, hot dogs, sausage and ham are.

Opt for low-sodium products. If you do buy processed foods, select those that have reduced sodium and of course, remove salt from recipes whenever possible. You can leave out the salt in many recipes, including casseroles, stews and other main dishes. Remember that your taste for salt is acquired, so it's reversible. Decrease your use of salt gradually and your taste buds will adjust. Most people find that after a few weeks of cutting their salt intake, they no longer miss it