You may be following a low sodium diet in conjunction with blood pressure medication to help lower your blood pressure. Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure. A low-sodium diet may help you meet your blood pressure goals. Use low-salt and salt-free substitutions instead of table salt to season foods as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Salt Substitutes
Normal table salt is sodium chloride. Salt substitutes consist of ingredients that mimic the taste of salt, but contain potassium chloride instead. Salt substitutes made with potassium chloride may help reduce your overall sodium intake, but are not safe for every person with high blood pressure, the Cleveland Clinic warns. Potassium chloride in some salt substitutes may interfere with certain heart medications or be harmful if you have kidney disease. Check with your physician before using salt substitutes containing potassium chloride to ensure safety for your condition.
The National Institutes of Health states that most people should consume no more than 2,400mg of sodium from all food sources per day. Some salt substitutes contain sodium, but in lesser amounts. These may be labeled as lite-sodium or low-sodium. Carefully read labels to see how much sodium is in the product and determine if using a salt substitute will fit into your low-sodium diet.
Herbs
You may substitute fresh or dried herbs for salt to season foods. You can buy premixed, salt-free herb blends, or make your own. Consider using herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley and tarragon during cooking and for seasoning prepared foods. Read labels on prepared herb blends to make sure sodium is not an ingredient.
Seasonings
You can also use salt-free seasonings for cooking or on prepared dishes. Consider using flavored vinegars, such as balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, to season foods. Lemon and lime juice or zest adds a tart flavor, while garlic and onion impart stronger flavors. Cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon and freshly ground pepper also make bold salt substitutes, states the Cleveland Clinic.
