Sodium helps regulate blood pressure and blood volume. The recommended intake is between 920–2300 milligrams of sodium each day. In Australia, problems with sodium intake are generally due to over–consumption rather than inadequate intake. Most Australians eat twice as much sodium as they need, which can lead to high blood pressure.
Table salt is 40% sodium, and when added to foods that already naturally contain sodium, can provide much more than we actually need. ½ –1 teaspoon of salt is all that is required to provide all the sodium that is needed for an entire day.
The sodium that occurs naturally in foods like meat, fish, milk, vegetables and fruit isn’t a major source of sodium in the diet. Most of the sodium that we eat comes from table salt, take–away foods, and processed foods such as bread and cereals, canned vegetables, commercially–made sauces and stock. To reduce your sodium intake avoid adding it when cooking or at the table, and look for low–salt versions of processed foods.