The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that we choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium. A level teaspoon contains about 2,000 milligrams of sodium. You can reduce sodium in your food by taking the shaker off the table. All foods that come from animals contain some sodium, and some plants, such as beets, carrots, celery, and spinach, contain more sodium than other plants. In some areas of the country the drinking water may be high in sodium.
Water softeners increase the sodium content of the water.
Contact the local health department if you want more information on the sodium content of the water in your community. These include medications for indigestion, headache remedies, cough medicines, and laxatives, as well as many others. Read Food Labels Salt and other sodium products are common food additives and food preservatives. Be a label reader and watch for these ingredients. Monosodium glutamate - used to enhance food flavor.