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Current dietary guidelines for Americans recommend that adults in general should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. At the same time, consume potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables. However, if you are in the following population groups, you should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day, and meet the potassium recommendation (4,700 mg/day) with food. You are 51 years of age or older. You are African American. You have high blood pressure. You have diabetes. You have chronic kidney disease.

The DASH eating plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a simple heart healthy diet that can help prevent or lower high blood pressure. This diet is LOW in sodium, cholesterol, saturated and total fat, and HIGH in fruits and vegetables, fiber, potassium, and low-fat dairy products. Making other lifestyle changes, like getting more physical activity, while on the DASH eating plan gives you the biggest benefits.

DASH Diet in the news... May 18, In USA Today, Diet and Blood Pressure: It's Not All About the Salt. The DASH diet has been proven to lower blood pressure as well as the first-line medications, in as little as 14 days, and without reducing salt.Diet and Blood Pressure: It's Not All About the Salt March 1, The DASH Diet shows significant improvements in reducing kidney stone formation. January 3, US News & World Report selects the "obscure" DASH diet as the best diet for the 4th year in a row. November 12, The new guidelines for preventing heart disease and strokes, from The American Heart Association and The American College of Cardiology recommend the DASH diet.

Benefits associated with the Dash Diet Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Reduces Kidney Stones lowers risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and heart failure Reduces risk of developing diabetes Slows the progression of kidney disease.