Change Your Salty Ways: Infographics

In some people, sodium increases blood pressure because it holds excess fluid in the body, creating an added burden on the heart. Too much sodium in the diet may also have other harmful health effects, including increased risk for stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer and kidney disease.

The problem is 97 percent of children and adolescents eat too much salt, putting them at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases as they get older.

The American Heart Association recommends that you aim to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

These six popular foods can add high levels of sodium to your diet. See the Salty Six.

Change Your Salty Ways In 21 Days Infographic

Source: heart.org/sodium