Nutrition: Sodium
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Most New Yorkers eat more sodium than the recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg. Eating less sodium may help you prevent or manage high blood pressure.
Avoid Salty Icon at Restaurants: 
Most of the sodium we eat comes from processed foods that are sold at stores and restaurants — not your salt shaker.
One way to avoid these foods is to look for the above sodium warning icon on chain restaurant menus in NYC. This icon means that the menu item has more sodium than the total recommended daily limit.
Cook Fresh at Home
Many processed foods at your grocery store have more sodium than you think, even ones that do not taste salty.
Always read the Nutrition Facts label before buying to be sure you choose products with low sodium levels. Another way to avoid high sodium is to cook with healthy foods, such as whole grains, legumes and produce.
Choose a Heart-Health Diet: DASH
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan (PDF) is a simple heart-healthy diet that can help prevent or lower high blood pressure.
The DASH diet is high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats, such as plant oils or fish. It also includes small amounts of low-fat dairy and nuts. This diet tries to limit your consumption of red meat, processed foods and sugary beverages.
Additional Resources
- Cut the Salt Health Bulletin (PDF)
- 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Sodium
- Watch: Look What's New on the Menu