[Medical Q&A] How can patients with hypertension master the tips for controlling salt intake in their daily lives?

Author: Zhao Xia Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

Reviewer: Xia Jinggang, Chief Physician, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

Hypertension is a common cardiovascular disease. If it is not controlled in time, it will increase the risk of damage to the heart, cerebral blood vessels, kidneys and other organs. Dietary management is very important for patients with hypertension, and the most critical point is to control salt intake. Let's take a look at some tips for controlling salt intake in life.

1. Reduce the number of times you eat out and eat takeout: Most food prepared in restaurants has a high salt content. When dining out or ordering takeout, you should actively request low-salt flavors, give priority to low-salt dishes, and try to reduce the frequency.

2. Reduce salt intake gradually: Use a salt-limiting spoon or beer bottle cap to control salt. A full beer bottle cap (without the rubber pad) contains about 6 grams of salt. Add a little less salt each time you cook, gradually reducing salt intake, and eventually reaching a salt level of 5 grams per day.

3. Add salt when the dish is out of the pot: When adding salt later, the salt adheres to the surface of the dish, so use less salt than adding salt earlier, and the taste and saltiness are basically the same.

4. Use other seasonings: Use more vinegar, lemon juice, chili, onion, ginger, garlic, tomato and other seasonings when cooking to reduce salt intake.

5. Eat less smoked, pickled foods and snacks: These foods are mostly high in salt. When purchasing food, check the labels and refuse high-salt foods.