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| Watch that Salty Language! |
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 | | Does the talk about salt and sodium confuse you? Most Americans consume substantially more salt than they need. What is it in salt that is the concern? It is the sodium. (Table salt is made up of sodium and chlorine, combined to make sodium chloride.) |
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| The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting intake of sodium to less than 2300 milligrams (mg) a day, which is about a teaspoon of salt. Why? Reducing salt intake, increasing potassium intake, losing excess weight, and increasing physical activity and eating an overall healthful diet can prevent or delay the onset of high blood pressure and lower elevated blood pressure. |
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 | | Most sodium intake comes from processed foods, so learn to
read labels. When you look at a Nutrition Facts label on a food package, you will see sodium listed below fats and cholesterol. |
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| Remember the amount of sodium you’re getting is from the serving size shown at the top of the label. If you eat double that serving you will get double the sodium. |
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 | | At the same time consume fruits and vegetables, which contain potassium, such as sweet potato, beet greens, baked potato, tomato puree, bananas, spinach, and orange juice. |
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| Those with high blood pressure, African Americans, and middle-aged and older adults need to be even more careful. Aim to consume no more than 1500 mg of sodium, and get 4700 mg of potassium per day from food. |
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| A healthier lifestyle is easier than you might think. This is one in a series of monthly webpage features to show you how to take advantage of the great information put together by your USDA colleagues. |
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Last Modified: Jun 11, 2009 |
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