Health

Low Sodium Diet: Complete Starter Guide

Updated July 1, 2026 · 5 min read

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Overview
  2. 2. Who Needs a Low-Sodium Diet
  3. 3. Foods to Limit
  4. 4. Cooking Without Relying on Salt
  5. 5. Eating Out on a Low-Sodium Plan
  6. 6. FAQ

Quick answer

A low-sodium diet (under 1,500 mg daily) is recommended for people with hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease. Focus on fresh foods and use herbs and spices for flavor.

Key takeaways

  • A low-sodium diet (under 1,500 mg daily) is recommended for people with hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease. Focus on fresh foods and use herbs and spices for flavor.
  • A low-sodium diet (under 1,500 mg daily) is recommended for people with hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease.
  • Canned soup, deli meat, frozen meals, cheese, bread, and restaurant dishes are common sodium sources.
  • Build flavor with garlic, onion, citrus, vinegar, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs.

A low-sodium diet (under 1,500mg daily) is recommended for people with hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease. Focus on fresh foods and use herbs and spices for flavor.

Who Needs a Low-Sodium Diet

A low-sodium diet (under 1,500 mg daily) is recommended for people with hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease. Focus on fresh foods and use herbs and spices for flavor. Your clinician may set a different target based on labs and medications.

Foods to Limit

Canned soup, deli meat, frozen meals, cheese, bread, and restaurant dishes are common sodium sources. Compare labels and choose lower-sodium versions. Rinse canned beans and vegetables to remove some salt.

Cooking Without Relying on Salt

Build flavor with garlic, onion, citrus, vinegar, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. Roast vegetables to concentrate sweetness. Add a small pinch of salt at the table if your plan allows it.

Eating Out on a Low-Sodium Plan

Ask for sauces on the side. Choose grilled proteins and steamed sides. Many chains publish nutrition data online. Plan ahead when possible. Consult a dietitian for meal plans tailored to your condition.

Low Sodium Diet: Complete Starter Guide FAQ

Clinical diets often target 1,500 to 2,000 mg sodium per day. The WHO general limit is under 2 g sodium (about 5 g salt) daily.

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Low Sodium Diet: Complete Starter Guide | Saltrado