Shaking Out the Facts about Salt

According to the American Heart Association, a person who reduces salt intake from around 3,400 milligrams (mg) to the federally recommended levels typically sees a slight drop of ___% to ___% in blood pressure, on average.

What is one health effect of salt consumption mentioned in the article?

What is the average amount of salt consumed by U.S. residents per day?

• 2,300 mg

• 3,400 mg

• 4,000 mg

• 5,000 mg

Explain why sodium is not found free in nature.

The chemical formula for table salt is ______.

The U.S. dietary guidelines recommend no more than ______ of sodium per day for teens and adults.

• 1,500 mg

• 2,300 mg

• 3,000 mg

• 3,400 mg

Fill in the blank: Sodium is the major positive ion in bodily fluids, so its concentration determines the total concentration of solutes—called the ______ in these fluids.

Compared to normal cells, cells that contain too little salt lose water, and cells that contain too much salt draw in more water than they can sustain. Which option correctly fills the blank?

• Normal

• Shrunk

• Ruptured

What is the effect of eating a lot of processed foods on salt intake?

• It decreases salt intake

• It has no effect

• It may lead to getting more salt than needed

• It balances salt intake.

Fill in the blank: If food lacks flavor, you can try adding spices or ______ instead.