Among the most widely prescribed modified diets in use today are those which limit the amount of table salt and salt containing foods you may use. These diets are often used in the treatment of high blood pressure and some other types of heart, kidney and liver diseases. They are also used when you are taking certain prescription drugs that cause the body to hold fluids.
Table salt is a major source of sodium, which is the water holding mineral of the body.
The amount of sodium required by our bodies to maintain good health is very small. It is much smaller than the amount we normally receive in our food and water. The body of a normal, healthy person easily gets rid of the excess sodium. It passes out in the urine. When the heart, liver or kidneys are not working properly the body may have difficulty getting rid of this extra sodium.