Salt is a combination of two ions that dissolve in water...
However, table salt is sodium chloride, and that is where the sodium comes in. Potassium chloride is a salt that is often used to replace sodium chloride for those who must restrict sodium. It does taste bitter to some people. Another solution to reduce sodium intake is to switch to sea salt, of which there are many varieties. Sea salt is a mixture of salts, mainly sodium chloride, and tastes very similar to table salt. It is lower in sodium per serving than table salt.
The best way to reduce sodium intake is to cook from scratch and use little processed food. Everything in a can has salt and often MSG (monoSODIUM glutemate). MSG can also be labeled as "natural flavoring". Most frozen meals, packaged pasta dishes (mac and cheese, hamburger helper, etc), and any processed meat have high levels of sodium. Sodium is found in smoked meats (sodium nitrate, and sodium nitrite), and in "water or broth added" meats. Anything marinated from the grocery store will have high sodium levels. Some boxed cereal is very high in sodium. Ounce for ounce, Cherrios have more sodium than potato chips.
Also when cooking, adding things like mushrooms, tomatoes, and certain cheesees will enhance flavors and add flavor without sodium. They, and certain other foods trigger "umami" flavor.
