Lisa Bell, Know Your Numbers

A pinch and dash is often enough -- but too often people take in way too much sodium.

Between 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams is the recommended daily amount of sodium.

About 11 percent of sodium in the average U.S. diet comes from salt or other sodium-containing condiments. But the majority of sodium -- 77 percent -- comes from eating prepared or processed foods that contain the mineral.

Sodium helps maintain the right balance of fluids in the body, helps transmit nerve impulses, and influences the contraction and relaxation of muscles. But too much sodium can increase blood pressure and water retention.

That's why it's important to keep an eye on the nutritional information when it comes to sodium.