Daily Sodium Intake

What is an average sodium intake, and what should you do to mitigate it?

I'm a single college student about to graduate. I'm recently lost about 20 lbs but am concerned that my daily sodium intake is way high (over 3,000 mg).

 I eat a lot of frozen lunches (lean cuisines, smart ones) and soups. I always get the low sodium soups though. I really don't have enough time or money to buy ONLY fresh foods and cook them; plus I'm single and most of my fresh foods go bad before I get a chance to eat them.

Any thoughts for help? 

 

I don't know the average but mine seems to be <1000mg.  The frozen lunches will be upping the total.  All processed food (even the stuff labelled low sodium) is high in salts and preservatives.  Rather than a lean cuisine you'd be better off with a simple sandwich and filling.  A sandwich takes seconds to put together, you're in control of the contents and it would probably cost less than a frozen dinner. 

I think the recommendation is to get 2400 mg or less.

A little off topic, I was wondering this too - but also, how bad is soy sauce? I tend to have it six or seven times a week - didnt realise how much sodium was in it.

Wise to cut down?

 

i always have too much sodium  :(  not on purpose...  but i'm doing good!  :D  yes, you should stay under 2400

AND drink lots of water!!!

I am a saltaholic!!!  I have cut out salt and have lost most of my weight from doing that.  I read in a book that if you eat a pickle you can gain 1 lb the next day!  Avoid all those prepackaged foods, they are easy but have way too much sodium.  Trust me, stay away from salt and you will start dropping lbs quickly!!!

I use the mayo clinic for most information I use....here is what is their recommendations:

 

How much sodium do you need?

Various organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, have published recommendations for daily sodium intake. Most recommend between 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams (mg) a day for healthy adults. A lower sodium intake has a more beneficial effect on blood pressure.

If you are older than 50, are black or have a health condition such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease or diabetes, you may be more sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of sodium. As a result, aim for a sodium intake at the low end of the range recommended for healthy adults. Talk to your doctor about the sodium limit that's best for you.