What is the recommended dietary change for someone diagnosed with hypertension?

Limiting salt intake is crucial for individuals diagnosed with hypertension because sodium can contribute to increased blood pressure. High sodium levels lead to fluid retention, which can strain the heart and blood vessels, potentially worsening hypertension. The recommendation to limit salt intake is part of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and other nutritional guidelines aimed at managing blood pressure. Reducing salt can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Other dietary changes, such as moderating red meat consumption and increasing potassium and calcium from fruits and vegetables or low-fat dairy, can also be beneficial. However, the immediate and most direct impact on hypertension management is through the limitation of sodium intake. Thus, focusing on reducing salt is particularly emphasized in hypertension management strategies.