Effects of Excess Sodium Infographic

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9 out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium.

Where does sodium come from?

65% supermarkets & convenience stores

25% restaurants

10% other sources

Shake Out Salt

Keep your sodium intake in check as part of an overall heart-healthy eating pattern that emphasizes:

• Variety of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Low-fat dairy products
• Skinless poultry and fish
• Nuts and legumes
• Non-tropical vegetable oils
• Limiting saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, red meat, sweets and sugary drinks

3,400 milligrams

Amount of sodium an American consumes on average in a day

1,500 milligrams

Recommended by the AHA for ideal heart health

Your Health

Excess levels of sodium/salt may put you at risk for:

• Enlarged heart muscle
• Headaches
• Kidney disease
• Osteoporosis
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Stomach Cancer

Excess levels of sodium/salt may cause:

Increased Water Retention that leads to:

• Puffiness
• Bloating
• Weight gain

Heart.org/sodium

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