Surpriseit can happen even if you’re avoiding the salt shaker.

Instead, consider these common signs that you might be getting too much sodium.

If you find that you are, work on cutting back.

french fries on parchment paper on white wooden background

This means eating more fresh foods, ditching the salt shaker,staying well-hydratedand limiting eating out.

What’s more, it might have an effect on your fitness, too.

And when the body loses too much water the brain contracts from the loss," explains Michalczyk.

It could be due to high levels of sodium.

Drink water to satisfy that thirst, but also take note of what salty foods you’re eating.

This includes reading labels from store-bought items since sodium can be snuck into foods you might not suspect.

“Salt significantly impacts the kidneysyour body’s filterby making them less efficient.

And too much [salt] over time can even lead to kidney failure,” adds Michalczyk.

The moral of the story here:To reduce stress on your kidneys, reduce your salt intake.

Once you’re used to eatingsalty foods, you tend to want more and more.

And unfortunately, it becomes a cycle that is hard to break.

Cut back gradually by adding less and less salt or modifying dishes when you go out to eat.

The Bottom Line

Salt is a necessary nutrient, but a little goes a long way.

Rinsing them under cool, running water in a colander can also remove some of the sodium.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Sodium in your diet.

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

American Heart Association.How much sodium should I eat per day?