Whats a good level of sodium?

Alexstrasza
Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
edited November 10 in Food and Nutrition
Title says it all. How much sodium is an okay amount to have? When does it get to be too much?

Replies

  • b0mbxchelle
    b0mbxchelle Posts: 40
    I've actually become very obsessed with my sodium intake lately as I have recently found out I am borderline normal-pre hypertension. I've also learned that potassium is really beneficial to you and you should eat more of that then you do sodium.
    Right now the recommendation for Sodium is about 2300-2500mg. I am eating 1500-2000 so I can be in a more normal blood pressure range but let me tell you.. it is extremely hard. Sodium is in everything. Plan to eat fresh!
  • Jessb1985
    Jessb1985 Posts: 264 Member
    Same as above I try to stick to 2500mg/day or less, which is almost impossible if you eat canned/processed foods! If I do go over I try to drink alot of water to balance it out a little
  • raisingbabyk
    raisingbabyk Posts: 442 Member
    From what i've heard it's been lowered anymore and people should aim for 1500 and not exceed 2300. It's very hard for me since I LOOOOOVE franks hot sauce and jarred banana peppers, but definitely do able as long as you don't add any salt to anything (mrs dash spices are great since they contain no salt), eat fresh home prepared foods (take out is crazzzzy for sodium), and check labels there are lots of lower sodium choices for things.
  • unhinge
    unhinge Posts: 318 Member
    Great information can be found here:

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284
  • Ilovepeppers
    Ilovepeppers Posts: 396 Member
    Right now my limit is 1500. Some days I come in at 800, others it's 1500 and theres always the 2500 day (more of those lately sie I'm sick). Anyway, it gets easier with time. For breakfast iwill have oatmeal with milk and a fruit (150 sodium), for lunch a sabdwhich with bread, veggies and mustard (270-350 sodium) and dinner ill have pasta, or ground turkey with rice or a veggie stir fry... Thats on good days.

    Anyway, I think upwards of 2300 is the new healthy number, but lower can be better. Good luck! I had to incorporate a hell of a lot more veggies and fruits as my side dishes.
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,247 Member
    Title says it all. How much sodium is an okay amount to have? When does it get to be too much?

    Do not go below 500mg per day as that is the recommended minimum amount. The recommended maximum amount is 2500mg per day.

    Do add extra salt to your food and it should remain in the middle there somewhere :)
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