Science

CDC Reminds Americans to Reduce Sodium Intake

July 17th, 2013

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most Americans should consume about 2,300 milligrams of salt per day, or roughly a tablespoon.

The CDC says there's no major benefit for most Americans to consume less than the daily recommended amount of salt. But WABE's John Lorinc reports many people don't know how much sodium they actually eat.

However, health officials say many people eat nearly twice that amount daily.

“We know for a fact that these levels of sodium increase blood pressure, increase your risk of strokes, heart attacks,” says Tom Skinner, a spokesman for the CDC.

Part of the problem is some Americans may not realize how much salt is in the meals.

“A lot of commercial salad dressings could often have between 200 and 500 milligrams of sodium in a tablespoon and that’s just not something that you really think about. It’s usually additional things that you get…..its sauces, dressings,” says Doris Adler, a dietician at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta.

Easing up on sodium isn’t as flavor-less as some people think.

“When (patients) tell me they are on a low-salt diet or no-salt diet and they say it’s bland, I tell them they’re not working hard enough to add so many wonderful flavors, like lemons or limes or fresh herbs and peppers,” says Sandy Park, another dietician at St. Joe’s.

The CDC says roughly 60% of Americans should limit sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day due to health issues.