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A 45-year-old member asked:

When is a low salt diet "low" enough?

3 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Lang
Internal Medicine - Endocrinology 54 years experience
Depends: There are several reasons to be on a low salt diet. Only about 15-20% of people are 'salt sensitive' and need to restrict salt or they will get high blood pressure. There are excellent studies that show that a diet that is very low in salt leads to an increase in mortality. If you need a low salt diet ask your doctor what is appropriate for your condition.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Martin Fried
Nutrition 38 years experience
Less than 2 grams: The overall recommendation is less than 2 grams of salt a day. Reading labels is one way to decrease the intake of salt, Eating fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, whole grains and nuts and seeds is another way to have a low salt diet. Avoiding processed deli meats and prepared foods is a third way to avoid salt that is added to foods. Good Health to you
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Clarence Grim
Endocrinology 59 years experience
Low salt diet: 49 F from CA asks: When is low salt diet "low enough". When you get to the salt intake recommend by the one prescribing the low Na diet. If for HTN then goal is <1,500 mg sodium a day. Read labels. If for heart failure may be < 250 mg Na a day. I recommend the app fitness pal which will track your sodium and potassium intake as well as many other things and you can see if you are low enough.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

A member asked:

What do I eat when I have to have a low salt diet?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ayaz Samadani
General Practice 59 years experience
Low salt diet: Do not add any table salt to any foods. Also do not eat preserved or ready to eat foods
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 48-year-old member asked:

How can you maintain a low salt diet?

2 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Rajesh Boorgu
Nephrology and Dialysis 29 years experience
More fruit in diet: You can eat more fruits rich in potassium such as tomatoes oranges bananas. The dash diet is good on outlining this . Also most food have the sodium value labeled on them. The goal is to have less than 2000 mg per day.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old member asked:

How do I start a low-salt diet?

3 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jackie Lam
Family Medicine 19 years experience
Less sodium: Less eating-out, put less salt/msg/soy sauce, and prepare your own meal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 40-year-old member asked:

I'm on a low salt diet what happens if I occasionally slip up?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Skversky
Dr. Robert Skverskyanswered
Bariatrics 53 years experience
Fluid retention: Occasional "slip ups" in general are of no concern , however you may notice some additional fluid retention in your lower extremities.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 46-year-old member asked:

Foods to avoid on a low-sodium, low-salt diet?

1 doctor answer4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Shabbir Hossain
Internal Medicine 18 years experience
Processed foods: Processed foods (canned, prepared) foods are notoriously high in salt content restaurant food as well. They pack on the salt, to make it more flavorful. Fortunately, most grocery food stores have nutrition labels, so please look at the salt content closely. Alot of restaurants are being urged to note salt contents on their menus.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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What are the specific differences between low-salt and 2g salt diet?
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Last updated Nov 5, 2016

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