Salt is a mineral essential to the body’s ability to function properly. Although salt and sodium are often referred to interchangeably, table salt (sodium chloride) is actually 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride. Salt can have both positive and negative impacts on a person’s health.

Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in food. It is essential to life because it regulates the fluid balance of cells and plasma. Too little sodium in the body can result in dehydration because the cells are unable to retain water. Proper fluid balance is important to nutrition because it helps move nutrients into the cells and carries waste products out of the cells.

The kidneys regulate levels of sodium in the body. However, a person with damaged kidneys or other medical conditions (including congestive heart failure and cirrhosis) may not be able to eliminate excess sodium, allowing it to build up in the blood. Too much salt can lead to water retention in the blood, which eventually leads to high blood pressure. In addition, certain people have a greater sensitivity to sodium that may cause a spike in blood pressure when they consume too much.

Most salt and sodium intake comes from three sources: processed and prepared foods, condiments that contain sodium (including table salt and seasoned salts) and natural sources of sodium. The amount of sodium and salt found in the diet is particularly high in processed foods.