There's a difference between salt and sodium, and only one can be bad for you. Find out what is sodium, how it differs from salt and how much your body needs.

Sodium salts are salts composed of a sodium cation and any anion. The anion may be the conjugate base of some inorganic or organic acids, or any monatomic or polyatomic anion. They can be formed by the neutralization of acids with sodium hydroxide.

Mar 7, 2024 · Understanding the difference between salt and sodium is important so you can confidently navigate your food choices toward flavor, nutrition and health and prevent complications related to too much sodium in your diet.

Aug 8, 2019 · Salt and sodium are not the same. Learn the difference between salt and the sodium in sodium chloride and how to calculate sodium levels in salt.

Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is about 40% sodium and 60% . It flavors food and is used as a binder and stabilizer. It is also a food preservative, as bacteria can’t thrive in the presence of a high amount of salt.

Feb 3, 2025 · The main lower-sodium salt substitute is called potassium-enriched salt. This is salt where some of the sodium chloride has been replaced with potassium chloride. Potassium is an essential mineral, playing a key role in all the body's functions. The high potassium content of fresh fruit and vegetables is one of the main reasons they're so good ...

In common usage, salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl). When used in food, especially in granulated form, it is more formally called table salt. In the form of a natural crystalline mineral, salt is also known as rock salt or halite.

Nov 11, 2024 · This article discusses the difference between sodium and salt, as well as the function of sodium in our body, the risks of too much sodium, and how to reduce sodium in your diet.

Feb 4, 2025 · Although people tend to use the terms salt and sodium interchangeably, salt and sodium are two different things. Sodium is a mineral that is essential to life. Table salt by weight contains about 40% sodium and 60% chloride.

Jan 31, 2024 · Eating too much sodium can increase your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease and stroke. Together, heart disease and stroke kill more Americans each year than any other cause. Your body needs a small amount of sodium to work properly, but too much sodium is bad for your health.