Sodium is necessary for fluid balance, nerve transmission and muscle function. Too much of it, though, can cause your kidneys to work overtime. You may have been told by your doctor to reduce your sodium intake. If that's your situation, you need to do more than limit the amount of salt you add to your food. You also need to keep an eye on the prepared foods that you buy.
Sodium Recommendations
Keep your sodium intake under 2,300 mg if you are 51 or younger. Those who are over 51 or sensitive to sodium should have no more than 1,500 mg daily. Extreme sensitivity to sodium might mean lowering it to no more than 500 mg. The lower you keep your salt intake, the better, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Sodium Sources
It may surprise you where sodium is hiding. Check your canned soups, frozen pizzas, pickles and fast foods for sodium content. The more processed the food is, the more sodium it is likely to contain. But even foods you do not associate with sodium can have it. Reduced-fat milk, for example has 107 mg per cup. Keep track of your intake for several days to get an accurate picture of exactly how much sodium you're eating.
Excess Sodium Symptoms
Fluid retention and inflammation are results of excess sodium. You might develop edema, in which fluid is retained in places like ankles and fingers. High-blood pressure is another dangerous symptom. Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances can also occur if you consume excess sodium.
Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia is a condition caused by too much sodium in the blood. Dizziness, sweating and fever are associated with high levels of blood sodium. Dehydration, diabetes, epileptic seizures and more can cause hypernatremia.
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