A low-sodium diet generally means you should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. That's why it is important to read the sodium content on the Nutrition Facts panel on product labels.

When shopping, choose less processed foods. They tend to have a lot of sodium. Be especially careful about:

• Canned products (soups, vegetables)
• Frozen foods ("TV" dinners)
• Ready-to-eat convenience or fast food
• Processed meats and cheeses (lunch meats like ham, salami and pastrami)
• Packaged snacks (chips, pretzels, nuts)

Instead, eat mostly fresh foods, such as:

• Whole fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grain breads, cereals and pasta
• Lean meat, poultry and fish

Season with herbs and spices rather than salt. And limit your use of:

• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce
• Soy sauce
• Steak sauce

For more specific advice, consider talking to a registered dietitian.