Sodium is one of the two electrolytes found in salt. Sodium plays many important roles in the way our bodies function. The sodium found naturally in foods is plenty to maintain healthy levels in our body. However, we add salt while we cook, while we eat, and it is added to many processed foods. This can lead to eating too much salt. Having too much salt in your food can lead to high blood pressure, which is the second leading cause of kidney disease. Salt makes you thirsty and can make your body retain fluid. Having more fluid in your body can raise your blood pressure. When you have high blood pressure, your kidneys must work harder to filter blood. Over time, this can lead to kidney damage. Too much fluid in your body also puts more strain on your heart, lowers your protein levels, and leads to difficulty breathing. Taking steps to limit excess fluid buildup, and thereby controlling blood pressure, is vital to improving your health.