Most people have no idea how much salt theyre eating every day, or how much is recommended.

But to what extent is it really a problem?

And did you know that some people are actually encouraged to eatmoresalt?

A bowl of potato chips

We spoke with doctors to answer all of our saltiest questions.

First of all, we do need to eat a certain amount of sodium.

John Higgins, a cardiologist with UTHealth Houston.

Hand adding a pinch of salt to a glass of orange juice on a turquoise background

How much salt do healthy adults need?

However, most Americans eat far more than the recommended amount of salt, according to Goldberg.

The average American eats about 3,500 milligrams of sodium a day, she said.

A spilled salt shaker on a blue background

Seventy percent of that salt that consumed is from processed foods.

What are the risks of eating too much salt?

Too much salt can be dangerous.

A close-up of a hand holding a fork with instant noodles; a cup of noodles is visible below

This is true whether you add salt to your food or purchase processed foods made with salt.

He added that the effects of consuming too much salt can lead to premature death.

Are we all at equal risk?

Salt shaker on a table with "Health Risk!" written on it, some salt spilled beside it

Not everyone needs to worry.

Too much salt may not be bad for everyone.

It depends on the persons health status, Goldberg explained.

Assorted fresh vegetables and fruits arranged on a solid background, related to healthy eating

If you are healthy and have low blood pressure, salt may not be harmful, she said.

How do you know if you should cut back on your salt intake?

High amounts of salt are dangerous for many people, however.

Two bowls of salt, one with pink salt and one with white salt, on split background

Here are the best ways to lower salt intake.

Goldberg also recommended looking for lower-salt versions of foods that you already eat and becoming skilled at reading labels.

Some people may actually need to eat more salt.

Although most people consume too much salt, some conditions require more salt.

Cystic fibrosis.Individuals with cystic fibrosis lose salt through their sweat more than those without the condition, Khera said.

Health care providers may recommend increased salt intake to maintain electrolyte balance.

Electrolyte abnormalities.Some electrolyte abnormalities, such as low blood sodium or hyponatremia, are treated with increased sodium intake.

However, these conditions are sometimes treated with reduced fluid intake.

Dialysis.Some dialysis patients are instructed to increase sodium intake, Khera said.This article originally appeared onHuffPost.