Sodium Dangers Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions The Dangers of Too Much Sodium Sodium (salt) intake in adults and children is much higher than it should be due to processed foods and preservatives used to prolong shelf life. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80, yet as many as six in ten people with high blood pressure can blame sodium in their diet as the cause. Too much sodium in the diet takes a toll on the human body and may cause diseases to happen faster. There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for sodium because our diets are normally sufficient in supply. The average American consumes 4,000 mg/day. In January 2010, the American Heart Association recommended a daily limit of 1,500 mg/day of sodium for people of all ages. Diseases That May Be Associated With Too Much Sodium Hypertension (high blood pressure) Congestive heart failure Stroke Gastric ulcers Stomach cancer Osteoporosis Cataracts Migraines Foods With High Sodium Content Soda – 45mg/12-ounce can Prepared tomato products (ketchup, sauces, drinks) – 1,100 mg/tbsp Salad dressings (especially Italian) – 300-500 mg/2 tbsp Hot dogs – up to 780 mg/each Pickle relish – 227 mg/ounce Chicken – 150-300 mg/piece (many raw chicken products are soaked in a solution, usually a salt water marinade for flavor and moistness) Baked beans – 1,100 mg/cup Potato and macaroni salads – 500-600 mg/cup Sausages – up to 780 mg/each Cheese – 200 mg/slice "Low Fat" dressings – 150-200 mg/tbsp Cured meats (like bacon or salami) – 200-300 mg/slice View our infographic on hidden sodium and allergens in BBQ food. Get healthy recipes to prepare for yourself and your family that are approved by our Clinical Nutrition Services department. This information has been reviewed and approved by Brett Fenster, MD (June 2013).