Hypertension or high blood pressure can be caused by several factors including a diet that is rich in high-sodium foods.
Consuming too much sodium may increase blood pressure; therefore, a low-sodium diet is often recommended for people with hypertension.
A low-sodium diet aims to limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams(mg) per day. This can be achieved by eating salt-free foods or those that contain less than 140 mg per serving.
Foods you can include in a low-sodium diet include:
- Eggs
- Fresh legumes
- Unsalted nuts and seeds
- Dried beans
- Canned vegetables with no added salt or low sodium
- Fresh poultry, fish, or beef
- Whole grains
- Herbs and spices
- Avocado and olive oils
Some high-sodium foods to avoid are:
- Smoked or cured foods
- Pizza
- Processed foods
- Pickled vegetables
- Salted nuts
- Canned meat
- Canned beans with salt added
- High sodium canned soups
- Soy sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Instant pudding
Another popular diet to follow when managing hypertension is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The DASH diet promotes foods that are rich in potassium, fiber, magnesium and protein, and are low in saturated fat and sodium.
Working with a registered dietitian can help you manage hypertension. Your dietitian can create personalized meals that focus on lowering sodium consumption, maintaining healthy blood pressure and improving overall health.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.