What should you reduce in your diet if you have high blood pressure?

To manage high blood pressure effectively, one of the most important dietary changes is to reduce sodium intake. High sodium consumption is linked to an increase in blood pressure, as it can cause the body to retain water, leading to a higher blood volume and pressure on blood vessel walls. Lowering sodium can help prevent and control hypertension, making it crucial for those dealing with high blood pressure.

While reducing alcohol and other substances may contribute to overall well-being, they are not as directly impactful on blood pressure as sodium reduction is. Alcohol consumption can potentially elevate blood pressure if consumed excessively, but it is sodium that has a more pronounced, immediate effect on hypertension. Thus, the primary focus should be on lowering sodium intake for anyone managing high blood pressure.