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With the summer season in full swing, it might be hard to keep track of the amound of salt you consume as you go from barbeque to barbeque. But, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that most Americans should consume less salt, and the vast majority of sodium we consume is in processed and restaurant foods.

Sodium can increase your blood pressure and your risk for a heart attack and stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in the United States.

It is recommended that adults should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium each day and eat potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.  

However, if you are 51 years of age or older, African American, have high blood pressure diabetes and chronic kidney disease, the CDC said no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day with the potassium recommendation (4,700 mg/day) with food should be consumed. 

The 1,500 mg recommendation applies to about half of the U.S. population overall and the majority of adults. 

Excess sodium intake combined with the other following factors can heighten the risk for heart disease and stroke: 

Age. The prevalence of high blood pressure (hypertension) increases with age and affects more than half of people aged 55-74 years and approximately three-fourths of those aged 75 years and older.

Family History. Having a family history of high blood pressure, including parents or close relatives with high blood pressure, may increase the likelihood that you or your children develop it also. While you can't control your family history, making healthy lifestyle choices may decrease your risk.

Excess Body Weight. Being overweight can increase blood pressure; losing weight can help reduce blood pressure.

Physical Inactivity. The Surgeon General recommends adults engage in moderate physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Such activity may help reduce blood pressure.

Inadequate Intake of Potassium, Fruits, and Vegetables. Adequate consumption of naturally low sodium foods such as fruits and vegetables provide nutrients such as potassium and fiber. In addition to eating low-sodium foods, eating high-potassium foods such as potatoes, beans, bananas, and yogurt can help reduce blood pressure.

Excess Alcohol Intake. Excess alcohol intake is associated with high blood pressure. Recommendations for alcohol intake advise moderation-no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.

Nearly everyone benefits from reduced sodium consumption. Eating less sodium can help prevent, or control, high blood pressure. To learn more about sodium in your diet, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/Sodium/index.html.