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The amount of sodium per serving is listed in milligrams or mg.  The total sodium shown on the Nutrition Facts label includes the sodium from salt, plus any other sodium-containing ingredient in the product. For example, this includes ingredients like sodium nitrate, sodium citrate, monosodium glutamate (MSG) or sodium benzoate.

Remember to take note of the serving size on the Nutrition Facts label. If your portion size equals two servings of a product, you’re actually eating double the sodium listed.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day and moving toward an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.

The average American eats so much excess sodium, even cutting back by 1,000 milligrams a day can significantly improve blood pressure and heart health.

More than 70 percent of the sodium Americans eat comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods, not the salt shaker.

On average, Americans eat more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day — much more than the American Heart Association and other health organizations recommend.

The American Heart Association diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based protein, lean animal protein and fish. Replace processed meats, refined carbohydrates and sweetened beverages with healthier options. Eating this way should help you limit your sodium as well as harmful fats.