It’s no secret that too much salt can be hazardous to your health. Sodium causes the body to retain water, which contributes to heart disease, kidney stones, fluid retention and high blood pressure. Low-sodium diets are often prescribed to help keep these conditions under control. One of the main problems is that sodium is hidden in foods that many consider healthy. Low-fat frozen entrees and canned foods are among the biggest perpetrators.

For this very reason, it’s important to study the nutritional labels of foods to make sure you aren’t exceeding the recommended daily limits. On a low-sodium diet, one shouldn’t consume more than 2,000 milligrams a day. Most people consume between 4,000 to 5,000 milligrams a day. There are measures you can take to prevent eating too much sodium.

Pass on the salt, which makes up most of our sodium intake. One teaspoon of salt has about 2,400 milligrams of sodium. Remember, salt in any form is still salt, whether it’s Kosher, sea or iodized. Consuming fresh foods, using spices and herbs and limiting your intake of fast foods are common-sense ways to lower the amount of sodium you eat. Opt for products that boast low-sodium labels, but be careful to check the nutritional labels to ensure that the food truly is low in sodium.

Make selections from all food groups but follow these guidelines. Use unsalted butter or margarine and consume sweets not prepared with salt. Avoid processed meats. Limit consumption of milk and stock up on unsalted cheese. For breads and cereals, purchase unsalted products and when baking use low-sodium baking powder.