Americans Eat Too Much Salt

Not to rub salt on the wound, but when it comes to sodium levels, the diet of most Americans doesn't make the grade.

But the new analysis of 2005-2008 data from nearly 19,000 participants in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 98.6 percent of Americans who should reduce their daily sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams, and 88.2 percent of those who should reduce their intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, consume more than those amounts.

Increased sodium levels are bad for our health.

High levels of sodium consumption are associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke, experts warn.

So what are the suggested sodium levels?

In general, people aged 2 years and older should limit daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg), according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

CDC: Americans consume too much sodium - USATODAY.com.