Are you trying to shake the salt habit by putting away the salt shaker? If your journey to better health includes reducing your sodium intake, you might be surprised to learn that the leading source of salt in your diet may not be what you shake on your food when you eat.

Excess sodium raises blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Cutting back on salt isn't always easy, especially if you don’t know when you are consuming it.

A 2010 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the major sources of salt in American diets, and it’s not from the dining table’s salt shaker. The CDC report listed these top 10 sources of sodium in American diets, in order:

1. Breads and rolls

2. Luncheon meats

3. Pizza

4. Poultry

5. Soups

6. Cheeseburgers and other sandwiches

7. Cheese

8. Pasta dishes

9. Meat dishes such as meat loaf

10. Snack foods like potato chips and pretzels.

Some foods that may seem healthy, such as turkey lunchmeat that is low in calories and fat, may have high levels of sodium. Therefore, the CDC recommends:

• Checking food labels to identify foods with lower sodium content

• Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables