Extreme Sodium Intake Is Getting Even More Extreme.

In a 2025 study by Chen et al. (Nutrients, MDPI), researchers examined U.S. dietary data from 2003–2018 to uncover trends in extreme sodium consumption—the top 5% of daily salt intake. They found these extreme levels climbing higher over time, with a growing group consuming far beyond the recommended upper limit of 2,300 mg/day. Essentially, while average intake hovered high, the worst offenders have gotten even worse.

This shift matters because those with extremely high intake face a much higher risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke than those with merely above-average salt consumption.

Try staying below the recommended 2,300 mg of sodium daily. Especially if you are consuming excessive amount of processed foods.

For those eating a whole food diet combined with exercise, you may actually need MORE sodium. Look out for signs of low sodium; headaches, mental fog, muscle cramps, nausea, and dizziness.