Count the Salt. Protect the Kidney.

Salt may look harmless, but too much salt increases blood pressure, causes swelling and makes your kidneys work harder. Cutting down salt is one of the simplest ways to protect your kidneys and heart.

HOW MUCH SALT IS SAFE?

How much salt should you have?

For most healthy adults and people trying to prevent high blood pressure and kidney disease:

Aim for less than 5 grams of salt per day.

That is approximately 1 teaspoon of salt for the ENTIRE DAY — including the salt used while cooking.

Remember:

5 grams salt ≈ 2 grams sodium

And salt is not only what you add at the dining table. Pickles, papad, chips, packaged foods, sauces, instant foods and restaurant meals can contain a lot of hidden salt.

I HAVE CKD. HOW MUCH SALT CAN I TAKE?

Who may need a lower salt intake?

For most people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):

Keep salt below 5 grams/day.

Your doctor may recommend an even lower intake if you have:

High blood pressure

Swelling of the legs or face

Heart failure

Significant fluid retention

Reducing salt can help control blood pressure, swelling and thirst and may also improve the effectiveness of BP medicines.

The key message

WHAT ABOUT DIALYSIS?

Salt restriction becomes even more important on dialysis.

More salt → More thirst → More water intake → More weight gain between dialysis sessions

This can lead to swelling, breathlessness, high BP and difficulty removing excess fluid during dialysis.

Target: generally less than 5 grams of salt/day, individualized by your kidney/dialysis team.