Food Sources Sodium occurs naturally in most foods. It is also present in drinking water, although the amount varies depending on the source of the drinking water. Sodium is also added to various food products. They may be more familiar as ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, and bouillon cubes. Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and ham, and canned soups and vegetables are all examples of foods that contain added sodium.
Fast foods are generally very high in sodium.
Functions Sodium is a mineral that is required by the body to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium also assists in the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. One teaspoon of table salt contains 2,300 milligrams of sodium. The National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences recommends an approximate daily range of 1,100 to 3,300 milligrams of sodium for adults. The American Heart Association recommends that for every 1,000 Calories of food consumed, the sodium intake should be 1,000 milligrams and should not exceed the 3,000 milligram limit.