What is a critical lifestyle change to prevent hypertension?

Reducing salt intake to 2400 mg is a critical lifestyle change to prevent hypertension because high sodium consumption is strongly linked to elevated blood pressure. The body uses sodium to balance fluids, and an excess can cause the body to retain more water, which increases blood volume and subsequently raises blood pressure.

The recommendation to limit salt intake is supported by health organizations and is part of dietary approaches like the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which not only emphasizes reducing sodium but also encourages the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This approach helps improve overall cardiovascular health and can lead to better regulation of blood pressure.

On the other hand, increasing sugar intake, limiting fluid consumption, and eating more processed foods are not effective strategies for hypertension management. Increasing sugar can lead to weight gain and related metabolic issues, limiting fluid can be harmful, especially if dehydration occurs, and processed foods often contain high levels of sodium, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure rather than protect against it.