How Much Salt is Too Much?

Susan asks:
How much salt is too much to have on any given day and what are the risks of having too much? Are there any risks of having too little salt on a daily basis? Thanks.

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Comments

3 Responses to “How Much Salt is Too Much?”

  1. dri on June 18th, 2009 9:22 am

    Hi Susan,
    It’s of course important that everyone consult a personal physician as to the proper intake of salt given each persons specific conditions.

    However, in general while some research has linked high salt intake to increased blood pressure, there is no conclusive evidence linking salt consumption to heart disease. Still, most people have way too much salt in their diet. I believe the recommendation is daily use at 2,400 mg, which is the upper limit of the federal government’s National High Blood Pressure Education Program.

    Personally, I don’t know of any reason why consuming too little salt would be a problem and maybe someone else could help out here.

  2. Tara Gidus on June 18th, 2009 10:05 am

    Hi Susan-

    You should stay below 2,300 mg per day or less than 1,500 mg if you have high blood pressure already. The minimum sodium per day is set at 500 mg, but I have never met anyone who doesn’t get at least that! Sodium is quite abundant in our food supply so a minimum is not a concern but rather look at those max numbers. Most Americans get at least 3,000-4,000 mg or more per day, well above the recommended levels.

    Risks of having too much include high blood pressure (which 1 in 3 Americans is thought to have) and it also more weakly linked to stomach cancer. High blood pressure increases risk of stroke.

    Tara Gidus, Registered Dietitian

  3. Ann on June 18th, 2009 4:19 pm

    I visited my doctor because of substantial dizzy spells which plagued me at the gym. Over the last year I have lost 20 lbs following a low carb, low sodium, low sugar or sugar free, high protein diet. My blood pressure is low and my cholesterol is under control. My husband has lost 60 lbs doing his own diet and gym program. His blood pressure is now under control and he is on low dose bp medication. We are fanatical label readers. The doctor advised me to add some salt to my diet prior to going to the gym. In particular, he advised 4 - 8 oz of tomato juice before exercising. I now drink low sodium V8 juice every day. Apparently our bodies require a certain amount of sodium when being stressed by exercise.

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