How does sodium affect hypertension?
What will be an ideal response?
Most sodium is consumed as salt (sodium chloride), and a high salt intake correlates strongly with high blood pressure and heart disease. A salt-restricted diet lowers blood pressure and improves heart disease risk in healthy people as well as in those with hypertension. For this reason, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise limiting daily salt intake to about 1 teaspoon (the equivalent of about 2.3 grams or 2300 milligrams of sodium). For adults with prehypertension and hypertension, a reduction to 1500 milligrams of sodium per day is of even greater benefit. Most people will benefit from a sodium intake within this range (1500 to 2300 milligrams). Limited evidence suggests lower sodium intakes may be associated with health problems for some groups of people.
Because sodium is so prevalent in the food supply, consumers need to use multiple strategies to lower their intake. Given the current U.S. food supply and typical eating habits, creating a nutritionally balanced diet that meets sodium recommendations can be a challenge. One eating pattern, known as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Eating Plan, is especially effective in lowering blood pressure. Like other USDA Food Patterns, the DASH Eating Plan reflects the Dietary Guidelines and allows people to stay within their energy allowance, meet nutrient needs, and lower disease risk. The DASH approach emphasizes potassium-rich fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk products; includes whole grains, nuts, poultry, and fish; and calls for reduced intakes of sodium, red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-containing beverages.
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a. true b. false
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