High sodium consumption raises blood pressure which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure begins decreasing within weeks on average when salt/sodium intake is reduced. Although we all need a small amount of sodium for our bodies to work properly, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests less than 2300 milligrams (mg) per day. People 51 and older, African Americans and people with high blood pressure, diabetes and/or with chronic kidney disease should limit sodium intake to 1500 mg per day.

Recognizing that decreasing your sodium intake is not easy, here a...