How to Put Your Sodium Intake into a Healthy Perspective

Sodium is not harmful to one's health. Its abuse is what damages a person's health. Right amount of sodium intake can provide the following benefits:

• maintenance the right balance of fluids in your body

• transmission of nerve impulses

• contraction and relaxation of muscles

The kidneys are responsible in regulating the presence and  use of sodium inside your body. The kidneys hold onto it if its amount in the body is very low. The kidneys try their best to eliminate excess sodium that the body doesn't need. When they fail to do so, sodium gets into the blood and causes serious health problems.

The recommended amount of sodium is less than 2000 mg daily.  It can be acquired from consuming canned and processed food, shellfishes and table salt. Most chips sold in supermarkets contain a lot sodium. If you're addicted to them, you're most likely to have excess amount of sodium in your body.

To correct your sodium intake, do the following tips:

• Eat more fresh foods

• Purchase low-sodium products

• Remove salt from recipes whenever possible

• Limit use of sodium-laden condiments like soy sauce, fish sauce, etc

• Use herbs, spices and other flavorings to season foods instead of sodium