There is nothing more important in the world than your health.

Too much sodium in your diet can lead to high blood pressure, which studies say can lead to heart disease, kidney disease or stroke. If you are using a water softener -or thinking about purchasing one, you may want to reconsider - especially if you are on a low salt diet.

Water softeners all use the same operating principles -- they exchange calcium and magnesium ions for twice as much sodium ions. This is called an ion exchange.

Whether you drink softened water or shower in it; you increase the sodium intake in your body. Many doctors will advise patients with high blood pressure not to shower in salt-softened water, and certainly not drink it.

Both calcium and magnesium are essential to human health. Drinking water can be a very beneficial source of these important minerals that is required by our bodies.