Salt in small amounts is necessary for health but too much can be harmful, particularly for those who already have high blood pressure. A person's total daily salt intake should be under 2,400mg (slightly more than 1 tsp). Most people eat around 10gm of salt per day; it would benefit anyone to halve this amount. There is no need to cook different meals for one member of a household: everybody can benefit from reducing their salt intake.

Sodium is the major electrolyte that maintains normal fluid outside the cells. Too much sodium can contribute to edema and high blood pressure; too little sodium can cause low blood pressure and dizziness.

Potassium is the major electrolyte inside of cells. Low potassium can cause muscle weakness and irritability, constipation, depression and heart problems and is potentially dangerous.