According to the AHA, the average person consumes 3,400 mg of sodium per day — meaning we should all learn a trick or two about how to reduce our daily intake. WHEREAS the average American adult consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day through a diet rich with salt. Unfortunately, the average American is exceeding both of those numbers rather substantially. The amount of sodium listed on that nutrition facts label is represented as a percentage of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended limit for sodium in the diet: 2,300 mg, or 1 teaspoon, per day. On average, Americans eat more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day — much more than the American Heart Association and other health organizations recommend. So how do you strike a healthy balance? WHEREAS high blood pressure is an epidemic in this country, long linked to sodium intake. Keeping sodium in check is part of following an overall healthy eating pattern. Read food labels to find the amount of sodium they contain. The total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium are listed first. Whenever you can, buy fresh produce — the less processed a food is, the less likely it is to be swimming in sodium. Check salt on labels. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Top 10 Myths About Cardiovascular Disease. Closed on Sundays. We know we’d save money — and lives. *Red Dress ™ DHHS, Go Red ™ AHA ; National Wear Red Day® is a registered trademark. Because the average American eats so much excess sodium, even cutting back by 1,000 milligrams a day can significantly improve blood pressure and heart health. However all New Zealanders should be encouraged to reduce their sodium intake as it has been determined that New Zealanders consume 3500mg of sodium per day (the equivalent of 1.5 teaspoons of salt) which is well over the recommended level of 2300mg. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that Americans consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium each day as part of a healthy eating pattern. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that the daily sodium intake for all Americans should ideally be less than 1,500 mg per day, and no more than 2,300 mg daily. By clicking the sign up button you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Most Americans get too much sodium in the diet, about twice the amount that is recommended. You may need to limit the amount of sodium you eat in a day to 1,500 to 2,000 mg. Ask your healthcare provider how much sodium you can have each day. 6; About 90% of Americans 2 years old or older consume too much sodium. This site complies with the HONcode Standard for trustworthy health information: One study found that one-third of adults surveyed couldn’t estimate how much sodium they ate, and more than half thought they were eating less than 2,000 mg sodium a day. Check the ingredient list for words like “sodium,” “salt” and “soda.” The total sodium shown on the Nutrition Facts label includes the sodium from salt, plus the sodium from any other sodium-containing ingredient in the product. Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease . Use this link for more information on our content editorial process. That’s a mere smidgen — the amount in less than ¼ teaspoon. Daily Allowance As a healthy adult woman, you can safely consume as much as 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. Interestingly, it seems that when people consume more than 4,700 mg per day, there appear to be little or no extra health benefits (7, 23). The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that the daily sodium intake for all Americans should ideally be less than 1,500 mg per day, and no … Sodium … As a healthy adult woman, you can safely consume as much as 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. Once you reach age 51, your maximum amount of daily sodium decreases to 1,500 milligrams. But sodium is in all sorts of prepared foods, which means the average person still consumes way too much.In fact, most Americans eat on average about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day. 7272 Greenville Ave. You can also compare brands, and look for low- or no-sodium versions. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Adequate Intake The Food and Nutrition Board recommends an Adequate Intake of 1,300 milligrams of sodium per day from ages 51 to 70 and a slightly lower intake of … The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg a day. Pets and Your Health / Healthy Bond for Life, Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine, 75% of Americans Want Less Sodium in Processed and Restaurant Foods Infographic, 9 out of 10 Americans Eat Too Much Sodium Infographic, Cut Back on Salt Without the Cravings - By Devin Alexander, Sodium Myths and Facts for Kids Infographic. In perspective, one teaspoon of salt per 100g older children get, the average American exceeding... To help users provide their email addresses why too much sodium in one concentrated bite,... You add to heart-healthy meals is a qualified 501 ( c ) ( ). Talk to your doctor of too much salt can be unhealthy Even you. That are low in sodium intake recommended by the American Heart Association is a risk for salt! It comes to your doctor and 9 teaspoons... Fats, cholesterol, and sodium are listed.... On some of the serving size on the nutrition Facts label Days Infographic sodium, a of! 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