Sodium consumption has been a large concern in the food industry because, in excess, it can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Now consider that according to Russell Keast, associate professor at the Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University in Australia, the average American consumes nearly four times the recommended amount.