Salt Warning from US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Excessive dietary sodium consumption increases blood pressure, which increases the risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and renal disease.  The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that 90% of Americans consume more that the recommended daily amount of sodium, much of it originating from processed foods.  CDC determined an average of a mere 9.6% of the total population consumed sodium within the recommended limits.  Among specific groups urged not to surpass 1,500mg of sodium a day due to specific health concerns, only 5.5% adhered to recommended daily limits.  CDC writes that: “Food manufacturers and retailers can reduce sodium content in processed and restaurant foods, public health professionals and health-care providers can implement sodium reduction strategies and educate consumers about sodium, and consumers can modify their eating habits.”