Avoid excess sodium in food

The kidneys are the organs in the body which keep up with the excess sodium in the bloodstream. As sodium accumulates in the body it draws water in to dilute the sodium. In this process both the amount of fluid surrounding cells and the volume of blood in the bloodstream increases. Increased blood volume creates more pressure on blood vessels and heart. Over time, the extra work and pressure can stiffen blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. It can also lead to heart failure.

Most of the sodium in our diets comes from packaged, processed foods. Eating these foods less often can help reduce sodium intake, lower blood pressure and/or prevent high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) from developing.