Wellness Tuesday: Sodium vs. Salt
We’ve been taking a look at sodium the last few weeks, so as we wrap up let’s discuss the difference in sodium and salt.
According the FDA, the words salt and sodium are interchangeable and mean the same thing.
The Heart.org says Common table salt is sodium chloride, which is approximately 40 percent sodium by weight. About 90 percent of Americans’ sodium intake comes from sodium chloride. Understanding just how much sodium is in table salt can help you take measures to control how much you’re taking in.
Here are the approximate amounts of sodium, in milligrams, in a given amount of table salt:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt = 575 mg sodium
- 1/2 teaspoon salt = 1,150 mg sodium
- 3/4 teaspoon salt = 1,725 mg sodium
- 1 teaspoon salt = 2,300 mg sodium
Salt keeps our body in balance and according to Fitday.com contributes to fluid balance, electrolyte balance and pH balance. However, too much salt still leads to high blood pressure and diabetes.
Do you eat too much salt?