Hidden Sources of Salt in Your Diet

Even if you ban the saltshaker from your table, you and your family may still be taking in way too much sodium, according to a new government report. The top source of salt in the American diet is actually bread products, including rolls.

Too much sodium increases your risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke and the reports points out that most of us get salt from processed foods and restaurants, not from the salt on our kitchen table.

The report, from the Centers for Disease Control, found that bread and rolls make up 7 percent of the salt that an average American eats every day. Also high up on the list are cold cuts and cured meats, pizza, fresh and processed poultry, soups, fast-food hamburgers and sandwiches and cheese.

The big surprise is that snacks like potato chips and pretzels are at the bottom of the list – although still in the top 10.

The CDC says the amount of sodium in bread can vary but an average slice of white bread can have as much as 230 milligrams of sodium and 3 ounces of deli luncheon meat can have as much as 1050 milligrams.

To cut down on salt in your diet, look for low-sodium versions of these products. Better yet, eat more fruit and vegetables and less processed food. That way you really know what you're eating.