Why watch the salt? Read the latest facts

How much salt do you need? Probably less than you consume.

If you are a typical American consumer, chances are 9 out of 10 that you consume too much sodium. The problem? It can contribute to high blood pressure, which is the leading cause of strokes.

This has been in the news before, of course, but habits are hard to break. Read more how Americans still consume too much salt:

More than 90 percent of children and 89 percent of adults consume more sodium than is recommended in the new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new guidelines advise no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of salt a day -- about a teaspoon -- for most adults.

"Nearly all Americans, regardless of age, race or gender, consume more salt than is recommended for a healthy diet," said lead study author Sandra Jackson, an epidemiologist in the CDC's division for heart disease and stroke prevention.

The CDC report was published in the Jan. 8 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. "Reducing salt can lower blood pressure and also lower the risk of heart disease," Jackson said."