Tip 5: Limit Salt Intake
A high-sodium diet can contribute to high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for CKD. Excess sodium can also cause your kidneys to retain more water, increasing the workload on these vital organs. By limiting your salt intake, you can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the strain on your kidneys.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, with an ideal limit of 1,500 milligrams for most adults. To reduce your salt intake, consider the following strategies:
• Cook at home more often and use herbs, spices, and other salt-free seasonings to flavor your meals.
• Avoid processed and packaged foods, which are often high in sodium.
• When dining out, ask for low-sodium options or request that your meal be prepared with less salt.
• Read food labels to compare sodium levels in different products and choose lower-sodium alternatives. (4)
