low-sodium diet

A low-sodium diet, also known as a salt-poor diet, involves reducing your intake of sodium chloride, or table salt. This dietary approach is often recommended as an initial therapy for hypertension because it can help manage high blood pressure.12

Key aspects of a low-sodium diet include:
* No Added Salt: Avoid adding salt to food after it has been prepared.2
* Avoid High-Sodium Foods: Steer clear of foods that naturally contain high amounts of sodium, such as cured meats.2
* Increase Potassium: It's beneficial to combine a low-sodium diet with increased potassium intake. This can be achieved by eating fruits, especially bananas, and vegetables, or by using salt substitutes.2

In addition to dietary changes, maintaining an ideal body weight is important, as obesity can contribute to hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.2