Sodium is needed by the human body to maintain the proper water balance and blood ph. But, excess sodium intake may result in edema, high blood pressure, potassium deficiency, and liver and kidney disease.

The Food and Nutrition Board recommended a sodium intake of less than 2,400 mg/day for adults. Keep an open eye when you buy food at the supermarket, many products especially canned and boxed are very high in sodium. For example a slice of bread might have 200mg, macaroni & cheese 580mg, tomato ketchup 190mg (per tablespoon), Ready Made Rice 500mg a serving. It might not seem as much at first glance, but when you start adding the total daily intake of sodium might pass the 2,400 mark.

For those of you who still eat fast foods, a happy meal combo might supply you around 1400mg of sodium on just that meal.

Sodium has an impact in weight loss. A higher sodium intake increases water gain, this will be more noticeable in women. Your body weight is compromise by three components water, fat, and lean weight. If you keep tabs on how much sodium you are consuming, you will notice a drop in body weight.