Sodium is the Culprit

There are several reasons why we develop high blood pressure. But sodium (one component of salt) is considered the key culprit. Member of salt-free tribal societies around the world have almost a zero risk of dying from high blood pressure. Chimpanzees eating nothing but fruit and vegetable develop high blood pressure when salt is added, and only when this occurs.

While blood pressure rises faster in some people and slower in others, it still rises, especially as you consume more sodium. The good news is that you can prevent this rise and even manage hypertension without medication by controlling your salt intake.

Many people who don't add salt to their cooking or use a salt shaker believe they are following a low-salt diet, but research shows that up to 80 percent of the sodium you eat comes hidden in processed foods, including common staples such as bread, cheese, and cereals.

Cutting down on salt is healthy for the whole family. Having the amount of salt children eat results in an almost immediate fall in their blood pressure and lessens the subsequent rise in their blood pressure with age.

Reducing sodium intake is particularly important if your are overweight, an older person, or already have high blood pressure.

Hints for a low-sodium diet:

1) Eat mostly fresh foods, and eat them without any added salt.

2) Buy only those processed foods that contain less than 120 mg sodium per 100 g of product. Check food labels.

3) Look for "Low Sodium," "Low Salt," or "No Added Salt." "Reduced Salt" products are required to contain only 25 percent less sodium, so the final level may still be very high.