In some people, sodium increases blood pressure because it holds excess fluid in the body, creating an added burden on the heart.

Too much sodium in the diet may also have other harmful health effects, including increased risk for stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer and kidney disease.

The problem is 97 percent of children and adolescents eat too much salt, putting them at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases as they get older.

The American Heart Association recommends that you aim to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

Click on the infographics to take a look at the Salty Six to see which popular foods can add high levels of sodium to your diet. And learn how to change your salty ways.