Nutrient Formulas Minerals Essential Knowledge in Nutrition Sodium and Potassium Life began in the sea and sea salts in water remain the internal milieu of all living cells. Large salt surpluses are the result of high intake of commercially prepared food, and salt added at the table.
Food usually contains enough sodium salts to supply our needs, and added salt tends to be surplus.
Salt and sugar are the two nutrients for which we have a specific appetite. The adaptation to high salt intake seems to involve cravings and compulsive eating of salted foods. The opposite adaptation occurs reduced salt intake - cravings for salt disappear, and heavily salted foods become unpalatable. Sodium restraint is considered a primary strategy of reducing high blood pressure. The evidence that sodium restriction lowers blood pressure is less convincing now than previously thought.