Limit Sodium (Salt)

Limit Sodium (Salt) to Lower Blood Pressure

Too much sodium (salt) raises blood pressure.

• Sodium in food can cause your body to hold onto extra water, even if you do not see any puffiness or swelling in your arms or legs.
• The extra water and sodium strains your heart and raises your blood pressure.

Try to limit your sodium (salt) to no more than 2,000 mg per day.

• This is less than one teaspoon of salt per day!
• Not using the salt shaker is a good start.
• Most of our sodium (salt) is already in the foods we buy.
• Talk with your healthcare team about your sodium (salt) limit.

Tips to avoid hidden sodium in foods:

• Read food labels. Choose “low” or “no” sodium.
• Avoid added sodium (salt) in your poultry, fish, or meat. Avoid terms like “seasoned,” “saline solution,” or “broth” on the packaging.
• Don’t forget about sodium in condiments (examples: ketchup, soy sauce, olives, salad dressings). Buy the “low-sodium” versions.
• Be careful when eating out. Restaurant and fast foods are high in salt. Ask for your meal to be prepared without added salt. Avoid or limit soups and sauces.
• Choose pepper or spice blends instead of salt shakers.

Careful with salt substitutes: Some are high in potassium and may be harmful to those with kidney disease, on certain medications, and/or with other health conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider about salt substitutes.

Lower Sodium Meal Plan: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)

The DASH Eating Plan was designed to lower blood pressure.

It focuses on lower sodium (salt), more fruits and vegetables (4-5 servings of EACH per day), and proteins that are low in saturated fat.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has created an easy to follow Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH. Click the link to check it out!