Cutting Sodium by 1,000 mg Lowers Blood Pressure, WHO Caps Intake Below 2,000 mg

3 articles · Updated · VOI English · Aug 20

A 2021 Circulation meta-analysis found cutting sodium by about 1,000 milligrams a day was linked to a 2.4 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure and a 1 mmHg fall in diastolic pressure.
Too much sodium makes the body retain more fluid, raising blood volume and increasing pressure on blood vessel walls; the effect is often stronger in people who already have hypertension.
WHO recommends adults keep sodium intake below 2,000 milligrams a day—equal to less than 5 grams of salt, or about one teaspoon from all foods combined.
Instant noodles, canned foods, processed meats, salty snacks, and ready-to-eat sauces are major sodium sources, so reducing salt means checking labels and cutting high-sodium seasonings gradually.
Garlic, pepper, lime, ginger, and other spices can replace some salt, making sodium reduction a practical long-term habit for supporting heart health.

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