Choose fresh foods over canned, packaged, or processed foods whenever possible.
Nearly three-quarters of the sodium in American diets comes from ingredients and seasonings added to packaged, processed, and restaurant foods, while table salt is responsible for only about 15%.
To help prevent high blood pressure and lower your risk for heart disease from high blood pressure, the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to less than 1500 milligrams per day. Most Americans eat between 3000 and 4000 milligrams every day.
Sources: American Heart Association; MayoClinic.org