Sodium plays a huge role in leading a healthy, sensible lifestyle. If you do not consume enough sodium in your diet on a daily basis, your body cannot maintain healthy fluid levels, and it may have a negative impact on the way your muscles expand and contract, especially during exercise. On the other hand, if you consume too much sodium every day you are at risk for high blood pressure, kidney disease and your body may even experience an inability to properly absorb the sodium you consume.

Setting Limits

The American Heart Association recommends limiting your sodium intake to less than 2,000 milligrams per day. And this may be easier said than done, due to the amount of sodium found in processed and canned foods. Frozen foods can even contain high amounts of sodium in an effort to keep them fresh longer. In addition, many sauces contain high amounts of sodium--sometimes more than fifty percent of your daily value per serving.

Making Cuts

Ways to limit your sodium intake include eliminating the table salt when possible, cutting out bullion cubes and making your own vegetable or chicken broth. You can also cut back on soy sauce and other salty sauces, and replace seasoned salts with salt free seasoning options found in any grocery store. You should also check the labels before purchasing canned items to make sure they do not contain added salt. Look for organic, all-natural and salt-free options when buying vegetables and tomato sauces that are packaged.