If your doctor diagnoses you with a condition, such as hypertension, she may prescribe a low-sodium diet. Healthy adults should not consume more than 2,300mg of sodium per day. However, depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend that you consume no more than 1,500mg per day. When you consider that 1 tsp. of table salt contains 2,325mg of the electrolyte, staying within your doctor's suggested guidelines requires an understanding of the types of low-sodium foods you can include in your diet, as well as the high-sodium foods that you cannot.
Meat, Fish and Other Proteins
According to the University of California San Fransisco, fresh or frozen beef, lamb, pork, poultry or fish is a good low-sodium choice of meat in your diet. Additionally, eggs are an excellent low-sodium, high-protein option. Incorporate dried beans and low-sodium peanut butter if you prefer vegetarian protein choices. The university suggests avoiding canned meats and meat products, as well as any meat that has been cured or smoked -- such as ham, sausage, bacon and hot dogs -- as this process adds an extreme amount of sodium to the product.
Dairy
Milk contains more sodium that you may think, so the Ohio State University Medical Center recommends that you drink no more than 2 cups of it per day. To get enough dietary calcium, choose cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar. Plain, low-fat yogurt is also a low-sodium, high-calcium option.
Fruits
You can include most fresh fruits in a low-sodium diet. Avoid canned fruits packed in syrup or sauce. According to Cleveland Clinic, fresh apples, apricots, bananas and oranges contain negligible amounts of sodium -- around 1mg per serving. Peaches and grapefruits contain no sodium. Frozen fruits are also generally safe, but check the label for nutrition information, including sodium content.
Vegetables
As with fresh fruit, most fresh vegetables are low in sodium. Cleveland Clinic includes peas, eggplant and lettuce -- containing 4mg, 2mg and 2mg, respectively per serving -- in its list of fresh vegetables. Potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, celery and tomatoes are also good options. Avoid canned or bottled tomato juice, as it can contain up to 660mg of sodium per serving.
Grains
High-sodium grains include self-raising flours; many packaged mixes, such as pancake, waffle and pizza crust; crackers and croutons and commercially prepared flavoring mixes for rice and potatoes. Avoid these products, and substitute low-fat muffins, most boxed cereals, pasta, tortillas and rice. Even if a product is labeled as low-sodium, consult its nutrition information, as many low-sodium products still contain too much sodium to incorporate into a strict, low-sodium diet.
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