A new report finds that the majority of Americans and Canadians between 31 and 50 years old -- and especially men -- consume too much salt.

The report, from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), also found that most healthy people satisfy their water intake by letting thirst be their guide.

According to the IOM, 95 percent of American men and 90 percent of Canadian men exceed the "tolerable" upper limits of salt intake, which is 5.8 grams per day. (The recommended intake is 3.8 grams per day for healthy adults between 19 and 50 years old.) It also finds that 75 percent of American women and 50 percent of Canadian women exceed the acceptable levels. It also said that 77 percent of that salt comes from prepared and processed foods.

The report finds that healthy women who appear to be hydrated adequately consumed about 91 ounces of water each day from all beverages and foods. For men, the average was 125 ounces -- just short of a gallon -- a day. It found that thirst and consuming beverages at meals "allows maintenance of hydration status and total body water at normal levels."

The IOM also reported that American men and women consumed only half the recommended intake of potassium, which is 4.7 grams per day.