Sodium is a naturally occurring mineral that the body needs to function properly.

But too much sodium can cause problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), or make problems worse.

Salt is the most familiar source of sodium. Sodium is often hidden in foods that don’t taste salty, such as cheddar cheese and processed foods. Sodium is also a major ingredient of monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium phosphate, and baking soda.