Sodium isn’t all bad. We need small amounts of it for healthy nerves and muscles, and for proper hydration. Trouble is, most people consume too much of it. Americans down more than 3,400 milligrams a day, on average. That’s nearly 50 percent more than the 2,300-milligram limit—the amount found in a teaspoon of salt—that diabetes experts recommend. And if you already have high blood pressure or heart issues, many health care providers suggest consuming even less. Although salt sensitivity varies from person to person, almost everyone can benefit from cutting back. That starts in your kitchen