How Much Sodium Should I Have Every Day?

High-sodium diets can increase your blood pressure, putting you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke. Health experts at the American Heart Association and the Harvard School of Public Health suggest that lowering your daily sodium intake can help you control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

Maximum Recommended Amount

The USDA recommends that healthy individuals limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day, or about 1 teaspoon of salt. However, according to the dietary guidelines issued in January 2011, those 51 years and older and those of any age who are African Americans or have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease should reduce daily sodium intake to less than 1500 mg daily.

Call to Reduce Sodium Intake

The American Heart Association and the Harvard School of Public Health have urged the U.S. government to lower its recommended sodium intake to 1,500 mg for all adults. Experts at these organizations suggest that this reduced sodium intake may help to reduce hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Average Sodium Intake

Unfortunately, many Americans consume far more than the recommended amount of sodium per day. Average daily sodium intake in the United States exceeds 3,400 mg, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Recommendations

A consistently high sodium intake may cause some individuals to become accustomed to high-salt foods, notes the Harvard School of Public Health. Gradually reducing salt intake over time can help people become accustomed to healthier, lower-sodium food. Human taste buds may not notice a 10 to 25 percent reduction in salt in some dishes. Flavor your foods with herbs, spices or citrus juices rather than salt, and limit your intake of processed and restaurant foods. Salt in these foods accounts for more than three quarters of the salt in the average American diet, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.