The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming no more 2,300 mg of sodium per day, with a daily maximum of 1,500 mg for older adults. If you’re actively trying to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition offers some insight into what can be achieved using several approaches.

Using data from the 2007-2010 Dutch National Food Consumption Survey compiled between 2007 and 2010, along with a 2011 Food Composition Table, researchers determined that packaged goods producers could feasibly reduce salt content in most food groups by 50%. That would take daily average consumption from 3,042 to 1,886 mg per day. If consumers took a more active role in choosing low-sodium foods, a 47% daily reduction (3,042 to 1,627 mg) was possible.

True Strength Moment: Although it’s always a good idea to check Facts Panels, you don’t really need to tally up sodium totals from every food. One of the easiest ways to limit sodium is to prepare your own meals at home using foods in as close to their natural state as possible. That includes lean cuts of meats, fresh vegetables and fruits.