Daily Sodium Maximum Calculator for Hypertension
Sodium is the mineral most linked to high blood pressure. The WHO recommends under 2000 mg/day (equivalent to 5 g of salt) for general health, but the American Heart Association recommends just 1500 mg/day for people with hypertension and African Americans. The average American consumes 12 g of salt/day—more than double the recommendation. Here's the catch: 75% comes hidden in processed foods, not from your salt shaker. This calculator shows your daily sodium limit based on your blood pressure status + provides a list of high-sodium foods so you learn to read nutrition labels properly. Cutting just 1 g of salt daily lowers blood pressure by approximately 2 mmHg (Cochrane meta-analysis 2020).
When to use this calculator
- Diagnosed hypertension.
- Prehypertension.
- Heart failure.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Fluid retention.
Example: Patient with Hypertension
- Patient data: Hypertension >140/90.
- AHA recommendation: <1500 mg sodium/day.
- Salt equivalent: 1500 ÷ 400 = 3.75 g (less than 1 teaspoon).
- Expected reduction: -5 to -8 mmHg systolic.
How it works
1 min readWhat is Sodium
An electrolytic mineral. 99% of salt (NaCl) contains sodium. 1 g of salt = 400 mg of sodium.
Recommendations
| Source | Maximum mg/day |
|---|---|
| WHO (general population) | 2000 mg |
| AHA (ideal) | 1500 mg |
| AHA (hypertension) | 1500 mg |
| DASH diet (strict) | 1500 mg |
| Actual US consumption | 4800 mg ⚠️ |
Hidden Sodium Sources
| Food | Sodium (mg/100g) |
|---|---|
| Deli meat | 1200 |
| Hard cheese | 800 |
| Bread | 400 |
| Bouillon cube | 8000 |
| Soy sauce | 5500 |
| Pizza | 600 |
| Potato chips | 500 |
| Breakfast cereal | 500 |
Low-Sodium Foods
Effect on Blood Pressure
Common Mistakes
1. Remove the salt shaker but continue eating processed foods.
2. Assume 'healthy' cheese and bread are low in sodium (they're not).
3. Use 'light' salt with potassium without checking with your doctor (caution with kidney disease or ACE inhibitors).
Related Calculators
Consult your cardiologist for personalized advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much sodium should I eat per day?
The WHO recommends less than 2000 mg daily. The American Heart Association recommends 1500 mg for people with hypertension.
Can reducing salt lower blood pressure?
Yes. Cutting 1 g of salt daily can lower systolic blood pressure by approximately 2 mmHg (Cochrane meta-analysis).
How much sodium is in 1 gram of salt?
1 gram of salt contains approximately 400 mg of sodium.
Is pink salt lower in sodium than regular salt?
No. Pink Himalayan salt and table salt have essentially the same sodium content—mostly marketing.
What is a low-sodium diet?
A low-sodium diet limits intake to 1500–2000 mg daily, focusing on fresh, unprocessed foods and avoiding packaged items.
How do I read sodium on nutrition labels?
Look for milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving. Less than 120 mg is low; 120–600 mg is moderate; over 600 mg is high.
Is low-sodium salt with potassium safe?
Be cautious. If you have kidney disease or take ACE inhibitors, consult your doctor before using potassium-based salt substitutes.
Where does hidden sodium come from?
About 75% of dietary sodium comes from processed foods—deli meats, bread, canned soups, cheese, sauces—not your salt shaker.
What is considered hypertension?
Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher is hypertension. Prehypertension is 120–139/80–89 mmHg.