Reduce salt and sodium in your diet

A key to healthy eating is choosing foods lower in salt and sodium. Most Americans consume more salt than they need. The current recommendation is to consume less than 2.4 grams (2,400 milligrams[mg] ) of sodium a day. That equals 6 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of table salt a day. The 6 grams include ALL salt and sodium consumed, including that used in cooking and at the table. For someone with high blood pressure, the doctor may advise eating less salt and sodium, as recent research has shown that people consuming diets of 1,500 mg of sodium had even better blood pressure lowering benefits. These lower-sodium diets also can keep blood pressure from rising and help blood pressure medicines work better.

• Tips for Reducing Sodium in Your Diet
• Tips on Being a Smart Shopper
• Tips on How to Prepare Lower Salt Meals
• Read the Food Label
• What to Look for on Food Labels
• Quick Facts on Salt
• Test Your Salt and Sodium IQ
• Quiz on Finding Sodium in Your Diet
• Flavor That Food
• Spice Up Your Life! Eat Less Salt and Sodium