What daily sodium intake do health guidelines recommend?
Most major public health guidelines recommend adults limit sodium to about 2,300 mg per day. That figure is often presented as the maximum to help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
How much is 2,300 mg of sodium in table salt?
Because table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), 2,300 mg of sodium corresponds to roughly 1 teaspoon of salt per day (about 6 grams of salt total). Many people get more than this from processed and restaurant foods rather than from the salt shaker.
What are the daily sodium limits for different groups?
Recommendations are typically lower for people who are at higher risk of hypertension, including older adults and people with conditions such as chronic kidney disease or established high blood pressure. Public guidance often frames these groups as needing stricter limits than 2,300 mg/day.
Why does sodium intake matter for blood pressure?
Higher sodium intake can increase blood pressure in many people, partly by affecting fluid balance and blood vessel function. Reducing sodium generally helps lower blood pressure, especially for people who already have hypertension.
What if you want to reduce sodium safely?
A common approach is to cut back gradually and focus on high-sodium sources first, such as processed meats, packaged snacks, instant foods, fast food, and sauces. Reading nutrition labels for “sodium per serving” makes it easier to stay near the daily target.