Treatment of blood pressure by reducing salt

Treatment of blood pressure by reducing salt

Besides changes in diet above, other equally important changes which can substantially reduce blood pressure. Choosing foods that are low in salt are crucial to maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Most Americans consume too much salt. In fact, the American diet consists of about 3,300 mg of sodium per day.

We recommend consuming no more than 2.4 grams (2,400 milligrams) of sodium per day. 2.4 grams of sodium is equal to 6 grams (or one tablespoon) of sodium chloride also known as table salt. This salt recommended number includes all sources, such as food cooked and added to the table.

Reducing salt intake to 2,400 mg 3,300 mg could reduce blood pressure by as much as 2-8 points. Further reduction of sodium to 1,500 mg a day can result in better control of blood pressure, but keeping sodium intake is low it is difficult to maintain long term.

A popular way to reduce the sodium in your diet is to use salt substitutes. Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride. The extra potassium in the diet may interact with blood pressure medications or can b an issue for some people. Consult your doctor before using salt substitutes.

Some tips for reducing sodium intake:

• For vegetables, buy fresh or frozen plain. If buying cannedchoose "no salt added" products.
• Use spices that do not contain salt.
• Use fresh meat on canned or processed.
• Read labels and choose items with less sodiumcontent.
• Rinse canned foods before using to remove some of thesodium