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Girls' VersionLow-Salt Diet
Your health care provider just told you that you have high blood pressure, and you're thinking - now what? One of the ways to manage high blood pressure is by following a low-salt (also called low-sodium) diet. This guide was created to help you make healthy food choices so you can manage your high blood pressure.
What is sodium?
Sodium is a mineral that your body needs to maintain good health, but it is something many of us get way too much of. Almost all fresh foods have sodium in them, but processed foods are usually very high in sodium. Salt is the most common type of added sodium in our diets. Salt is often added during the processing and preparation of foods.
How much sodium can I have?
On a low sodium-diet, you should limit your total sodium intake to 2000 milligrams (mg) per day. A typical teen has almost twice this much sodium, so following a low sodium diet may take time.
What foods should I eat?
Eating more fresh foods and fewer processed foods will help you eat less salt. Reading the Nutrition Facts Label on the foods you eat can also help you figure out which foods are healthier choices for you. When reading the Nutrition Facts Label, look for the sodium content. Compare the sodium content of different products to find the one that is the lowest. Also, look for foods that advertise that they are "low-sodium", "reduced-sodium", "no sodium", or "no salt added". A food that is labeled "low sodium" will have less than 140 mg per serving and a "no sodium" food will have less than 5 mg.
Here are some tips for lowering your salt intake:
- Leave the salt shaker in the cabinet. Try not to salt your food, or at least cut down on the amount of extra salt you use. Use herbs and spices or try fresh lemon or lime juice to flavor your food.
- Limit your condiments. Condiments such as mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce are usually very high in sodium. Use very small amounts of these or choose low-salt or reduced-salt versions.
- Avoid cured and high-salt meats such as bacon, sausage, bologna, pepperoni and ham.
- Limit the amount of pre-packaged and processed foods you eat, such as frozen meals, macaroni and cheese, pizza rolls, and chicken nuggets. These types of foods are usually loaded with sodium. Check out the Nutrition Facts Label and choose the options that are lowest in sodium.
- Stay away from pickled foods and those packaged in brine (salt water) such as olives and pickles.
- Choose fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned. If you like canned vegetables, pick low-salt or no-salt veggies options or rinse them off before eating.
- Limit snack foods that are high in salt. Look for "reduced-salt" or "low-salt" chips, popcorn, pretzels, and crackers. Try unsalted nuts and peanuts.
- Stay away from canned soup. Canned soups are super high in sodium. Many soups and broths contain a whopping 600-950 mg of sodium per serving (or more). Read the nutrition food label and look for "reduced sodium" or "low sodium" varieties, which usually contain half the amount of sodium (200-400mg per serving).
Other than following a low-salt diet, is there anything else I can do to manage my blood pressure?
Eating an overall healthy diet that is low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean proteins will help manage your blood pressure. Doing regular exercise is also an important part of managing your blood pressure.
Can I still eat fast food?
It's okay to eat fast food once in a while, but remember that it tends to be very high in salt, so try not to eat it too often. When ordering at fast food restaurants, choose salads or foods that are grilled or broiled rather than fried foods. Limit high-salt toppings such as ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, and pickles. You can also look up the nutrition facts on almost all fast food menu items online. Check out the menu ahead of time so you know which options have the lowest amount of salt.
Updated: 8/23/2011
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