If you have high blood pressure, one of the most important things to control is what you eat. While many foods can help, there is one thing diet experts say you should really avoid — and that is too much salt.
Eating too much salt makes your body hold on to water. This extra water puts pressure on your blood vessels, which raises your blood pressure. Many people think they only need to stop using table salt, but salt is also hidden in packaged foods, fast food, and ready-to-eat snacks. Even some sauces, canned soups, and frozen meals can have a lot of salt.
When you cut back on salt, your blood pressure may begin to improve. It doesn’t happen overnight, but over time your heart won’t have to work so hard. Doctors and dietitians often recommend cooking at home more often, using fresh ingredients, and adding flavor with herbs and spices instead of salt.
It’s not always easy to change your eating habits, but making small changes can lead to big results. If you or someone you care about has high blood pressure, start by checking food labels and choosing meals with lower sodium. It’s a simple step that can protect your heart and help you feel better every day.