Sodium content

Sodium is an element that the body needs to function properly to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. For individuals who are sodium-sensitive, an increased intake of sodium may contribute to high blood pressure. When watching the intake of sodium, read labels carefully to determine the total sodium content. Canned, packaged, and frozen foods can be particularly high in sodium.

Review Date: 05/26/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc, and David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.