The average sodium consumption in the United States is about 3,400 milligrams a day. The United States Dietary Guidelines recommends a diet restricting salt consumption to 1,500 to 2,3000 milligrams per day . According to the Institute of Medicine committee, sodium consumption between 1,500 and 2,300 milligrams a day will not raise blood pressure. 1,500 milligrams is the lowest sodium consumption can go if a person eats enough food to get sufficient calories and nutrients to live on. 2,300 milligrams is the highest sodium levels can go before blood pressure begins to increase. A new study from an expert committee from the Institute of Medicine says there is no reason nor rationale to limit salt consumption to very low levels. However there are consequences to consuming too little salt. the physiological consequences include an increase in triglyceride levels, increased insulin resistance, and increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system. All are factors that can increase the risk of heart disease. Individuals should aim to lower their daily consumption of salt by limiting their intake of processed food, but restricting salt consumption to very low levels can have health consequences as well. Dietary Guidelines from 2005 will be revised in 2015.

Read the article from the NY Times here!