Most adults should aim for about 1,500–2,300 mg of sodium per day, with an upper limit of 2,300 mg (around 1 teaspoon of table salt).

Quick Scoop

  • General healthy adults:
    • Ideal target: about 1,500 mg sodium per day.
* Do not exceed: 2,300 mg per day (roughly 1 teaspoon of table salt).
  • Higher‑risk groups (high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or over 50, as commonly advised):
    • Often advised to stay closer to 1,500 mg per day, or as low as your doctor recommends.
  • Absolute minimum your body needs:
    • Roughly under 500 mg/day is enough for basic body functions, but most people easily exceed this without trying.
  • What people actually eat:
    • Many adults regularly get about 3,300–3,400 mg of sodium per day, which is well above recommended limits.
  • Biggest sodium sources:
    • Processed and restaurant foods (breads, sauces, canned soups, frozen meals, fast food) rather than salt you add at the table.
  • Simple rule of thumb:
    • If you’re healthy: stay under 2,300 mg, aim closer to 1,500 mg.
    • If you have blood pressure or heart issues: talk with your doctor, but expect a target near 1,500 mg/day.

If a nutrition label shows that a “normal” day of eating will push you past 2,300 mg, that’s your signal to swap in lower‑sodium choices.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.