Salt and Sodium: Limit to Reduce Blood Pressure

Salt and sodium intake have a significant impact on blood pressure. When you consume too much salt, your body retains water to dilute it, which increases your blood volume and puts more pressure on your blood vessels. This can lead to high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

To reduce your sodium intake, you should limit your consumption of processed and packaged foods, as they tend to be high in sodium. Instead, focus on eating fresh, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and ideally, aim for no more than 1,500 milligrams per day. Be sure to check nutrition labels and choose foods that are low in sodium, and avoid adding extra salt to your meals.

In addition to reducing your salt and sodium intake, other lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing stress can also help lower your blood pressure. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive plan to manage your high blood pressure.