The American Heart Association states that “Sodium is an element that’s needed for good health. However, too much salt or too much water in your system will upset the balance.” There are many benefits to following a low sodium diet. Reducing your intake of sodium, or salt, helps to reduce blood pressure and helps to prevent swelling of the extremities, such as your legs. Also, you may lower your risk of heart disease by limiting your salt intake. Dr. Norman M. Kaplan at UpToDate.Com suggests that certain medications actually work better with a lower sodium diet. Medications such as antihypertensives, which treat high blood pressure, work more efficiently. There can be a decreased risk of dying from stroke and reduced risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis developing, as well. Other medications, such as diuretics, or water pills, such as lasix and bumex are taken to treat heart failure and can be affected by sodium intake. Kaplan states that there is a direct link between sodium intake and high blood pressure. If you take diuretics, you should talk to your physician regarding your diet. You should ask about any type of fluid restriction and what your daily sodium intake should be.