As a person with high blood pressure, you may be wondering how much sodium you need per day to keep your blood pressure in check. We have the answer.
Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte needed for maintaining a healthy body. Sodium plays a very important role in your body and can be found in various foods which are why it is important to keep track of the sodium you consume each day. In this article, you’ll find the daily sodium limit for people with high blood pressure. Don’t worry; I’ll discuss how much sodium you need to prevent dangerous highs and lows in blood pressure.
How Much Sodium per Day for High Blood Pressure?
Knowing how much sodium you need per day is especially important if you have high blood pressure, sometimes called hypertension. Sodium is a mineral that the body needs in small amounts. But the majority of people with high blood pressure eat more sodium than they really need.
According to the American Heart Association, most adults should eat less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of salt (sodium) a day, and those 51 and older, African-Americans and people with high blood pressure should aim for less than 1,500 mg a day.
But for many people with high blood pressure, it’s hard to keep track of just how much sodium they’re eating. This is because 75 percent of the sodium we eat comes from processed foods or food prepared outside the home, like restaurant meals.
How Do You Know How Much Sodium Is In Your Food?
Read the Nutrition Facts label on food packaging. Look at the amount of sodium per serving and the number of servings per container (some containers hold more than one serving). Add up the total amount of sodium in a single serving and multiply it by the number of servings to find out how much sodium is in a package or container.
What Foods Have High Sodium
Here’s a list of foods that are high in sodium. If you have high blood pressure, check the food label before eating. The label will tell you how much sodium is in each serving.
- Bacon
- Canned vegetables and soups
- Cheese, especially processed cheese
- Condiments, such as ketchup and mustard
- Cold cuts and sandwich meats, including chicken or ham salad
- Olives and pickles
- Pizza (ready-made)
- Pretzels
- Salted nuts
Learn more about foods that raise blood pressure quickly, as well as what to eat to maintain a healthy blood pressure, here.
Is a Low Sodium Diet Risky For Heart Health?
The body needs a certain amount of salt to function properly. It helps us maintain fluid balance, it aids in nerve transmission and it assists in muscle contractions. However, many of us consume too much salt, which can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.
For the past 20 years or so, we’ve been encouraged to decrease our sodium intake, but some new research suggests that a low sodium diet may not be necessary for everyone.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
“The current recommendation is that most adults should limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day — or 1,500 mg if you’re age 51 or older or if you are African-American or have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.”
Conclusion: How Much Sodium per Day for High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke and other health problems. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to work with your doctor to create a plan that lowers your blood pressure and keeps it under control. Part of this plan may include limiting the amount of sodium you eat each day. While there isn’t one perfect answer for how much sodium people with high blood pressure should consume daily, following the general guidelines below can help get you started on reducing your salt intake.
