Salt is a necessary part of life.
Our bodies need sodium, which is present in table salt, to maintain blood volume, regulate water balance, transmit nerve impulses and perform other vital functions. But many people consume far too much salt, says Nan Lopez, research consultant for the Northwest Prevention Effectiveness Center with the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine. While a safe level of sodium intake is 1.1 to 3.3 grams per day, most Americans consume between 2.3 and 6.9 grams daily. Because high sodium intake can be associated with high blood pressure, it is important to limit salt use. Yet since people often lose their sensitivity to flavors and smells as they grow older, they may also increase their use of salt.