U.S. guidelines call for about half of Americans to limit sodium to 1,500 milligrams or less per day, including:
People age 51 and older
African-Americans
People with high blood pressure, diabetes, or long-term kidney disease
Cutting back on salt can cut blood pressure in some people. It can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage in those who have high blood pressure.
Track Your Salt
Don’t know how much you get every day? Keep a daily tally of what you eat and drink. Then look up how much sodium is in each item. You may be surprised at what you find. The average American takes in 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day, well above the limits recommended for good health.