Why is sodium so dangerous?

Q: Why is sodium so dangerous? I hear warnings to read labels and limit sodium, but I don’t know why. Can you please explain?

A: The body needs some sodium, about 1,500 mg per day, but more than that can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney disease.

When you ingest sodium, it’s managed by your kidneys. If more than what’s required is ingested, it ends up in the bloodstream and blood vessels take in more fluid. The extra fluid increases the body's overall blood volume, causing the heart to increase its work load to pump all of that extra blood throughout the body, raising blood pressure. Keep your sodium intake low by reading labels and avoiding packaged, processed foods and fast food.