Salt

I know I am a bit ignorant here, but what is it about salt that is bad? I have always thought that it helped your body retain more water. Is that true? What else does it do?

salt is not bad. Too much of it is bad. And it's the sodium in the salt that's bad. And it's not even the sodium all in itself that's bad it's the AMOUNT of sodium.  It can increase complications such as stroke, hypertension, kidney disease...

Our bodies need sodium to function. Mainly to regulate nerve and muscle functions.

Agree with Epiphany - you need some sodium to survive.  Its the amount that's bad for you.  Adults are recommended to have 2400mg/day maximum.  If you have high blood pressure the recommendation is 1500 to 2000.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml? identifier=3009412

http://health.rutgers.edu/factsheets/sodium.h tm

http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/miner als/722/

http://www.myfooddiary.com/resources/nutrient _facts/nutrient_sodium.asp

Amazingly enough it is the amount of salt one consumes that is surprising.  If you eat processed foods, take a peek at the side panel for sodium content.  You'll be amazed!  If you can cut out the processed foods and exchange the salt shaker for other spices, your body will thank you.

And the other reason you hear people talking so much about reducing sodium intake (especially when trying to lose weight) is too much salt makes you retain water and look bloated.  Pretty much the opposite result that you would like to see if you are trying to slim down...