Sodium is a mineral and electrolyte that your body needs for several important functions.

However, many Americans consume too much, which can be detrimental to health.

Jupiterimages / Getty Images

What Is a Low-Sodium Diet?

Hand-slicing kiwi fruit

Jupiterimages / Getty Images

A low-sodium diet is a specialty diet that limits how much sodium you consume daily.

It can often help manage health issues like high blood pressure,heart disease, and kidney disease.

However, many people consume more sodium than they should.

How Much Sodium Is in a Low-Sodium Diet?

For some people on a low-sodium diet, a maximum daily sodium intake of 2,300 mg may be beneficial.

Always check the ingredient list and check with your provider.

Talk with a healthcare provider to learn how to limit sodium safely if necessary.

Summary

Sodium is an electrolyte and an essential nutrient that your body needs to perform specific tasks.

However, consuming too much sodium may cause problems.

There are many ways to reduce your sodium intake.

A low-sodium diet has some potential downsides.

If it has been recommended to you, talk with a healthcare provider about how to follow it safely.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Sodium in your diet.

2024;16(8):1199. doi:10.3390/nu16081199

MedlinePlus.Low-salt diet.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.DASH eating plan.

A mini-review and modern perspective.Medicina (Kaunas).

2022;12(1):e050843.

findings from the Women’s Health Initiative.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.

2017;15(1):6. doi:10.1186/s12963-017-0119-3

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.Lower-sodium foods: shopping list.

National Kidney Foundation.How to be a phosphorous detective.

2023;15(4):831. doi:10.3390/nu15040831

MedlinePlus.Low blood sodium.

2017;21(3):276-283. doi:10.1007/s12603-016-0766-2