Hemera/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor
We’ve got a real problem in the U.S. with sodium, which we know can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and death from stroke.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the average American is getting 3,400 milligrams a day of sodium. The recommended daily allowance is only 2,300 milligrams — and even less if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
The CDC also found that 70 percent of our salt intake comes from just 25 foods.
When it comes to salty foods, you may not even think of this but yeasty breads are packed with sodium. Three other surprising sources of sodium: Omelets, cereals and condiments.
If you’re trying to cut down, I recommend reading labels on everything and substituting spices for salt before reaching for the salt shaker.
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