High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may be controlled, but it cannot be cured, explains Colorado State University. Sodium, or salt, intake may be an important factor for some individuals in controlling hypertension. The university's experts advise a daily sodium intake of between 1,100 mg and 3,300 mg per day. Regular table salt is about 40 percent sodium and one teaspoon provides 2,000 mg of sodium. Some processed foods may contain much more than that in a single serving.
Fruits and Vegetables
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute advises buying fruits and vegetables that are fresh. If buying frozen or canned, check the nutrient labels for the amount of sodium. Buy prepackaged and canned vegetables that say "no salt added" on the label, if possible. For example, four spears of canned asparagus may contain 298 mg sodium, one cup of snap beans may have 326 mg of sodium and one cup of tomato sauce about 1,498 mg. A stalk of fresh broccoli may have 23 mg of sodium, an ear of corn 1 mg and one cup of raw cabbage about 8 mg. A raw apple, banana or orange has about 2 mg sodium.
Grain Products
Most grain products are low in sodium and are recommended for a low-sodium diet for high blood pressure. Colorado State University lists white bread, oatmeal, macaroni and egg noodles as having 2 mg or less of sodium. Other grains under 150 mg include graham crackers, pretzels, saltines and whole wheat bread. Always check nutrient labels because sodium content of food products may change frequently and without warning.
Beverages
Colorado State University lists most fruit juices as as having less than 15 mg of sodium per cup. Eight ounces of milk carries around 125 mg and coffee about 2 mg sodium. Soups or broths usually contain high amounts of sodium. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute advises choosing low-, no- or reduced-salt products whenever possible.
