| Low Sodium Guidelines | | | Most individuals should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily (equal to about 1 teaspoon salt).* The average American, however consumes almost twice this much. The following tips can help you take the salt out of your diet without taking out the flavor. *People with certain conditions such as high blood pressure or kidney disease need even less sodium. If you are on a prescribed salt restriction, speak to your Registered Dietitian for more specific guidelines. 
- Don't use the salt shaker at the table. Use herbs and salt-free seasonings with food instead of salt.
- Eat food in its natural and unprocessed form (like a potato instead of potato chips). Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, poultry and unprocessed grains.
- Look for "Low Sodium" or "Sodium Free" products
- If you must buy canned foods, look for "No Added Salt" products. If not available, rinse and drain the canned food to reduce the sodium content.
- Avoid high sodium sauces and seasonings (bouillon, soy sauce, marinades, etc)
| Examples of High Sodium Foods | | Pre-packaged items and Processed foods | | Pickled foods | | Canned foods (soups, vegetables, broth, etc) | | Cured meats (such as bacon) | | Cold cuts, Sausage | | Cheeses | | Frozen dinners | | |