In addition to those who are African American or over the age of 51, people with the following conditions should limit sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams daily:
- Kidney disease may lead to trouble excreting sodium and other minerals, leading to water retention and swelling.
- Congestive heart failure, which can cause swelling and fluid retention in the lungs and throughout the body. Since sodium promotes fluid retention, a low sodium diet may be helpful in relieving fluid accumulation.
- Osteoporosis, because sodium consumption increases the calcium excreted in urine.
- High blood pressure (hypertension), which can lead to cardiovascular disease. In "salt sensitive" people, reducing intake of sodium helps to reduce blood pressure levels. A high intake of sodium early in life might weaken genetic defenses against developing high blood pressure. Experts recommend reducing sodium intake while blood pressure is still normal, which may decrease the risk for hypertension later in life. Restricting sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day may be useful for lowering blood pressure. Increasing potassium intake can also help lower blood pressure.
