'Cut down on sodium to lower high blood pressure'

People who suffer from high blood pressure should cut back on the amount of sodium they are consuming, according to an assistant professor of cardiology.

Dr Imran Arif of the University of Cincinnati told the Courier-Journal those who reduced excess salt from their diet can reduce high blood pressure and better control the systems of congestive heart failure.

Furthermore, he added, those who reduce their sodium intake gradually may not even notice the difference.

Replacing high-sodium foods with fresh or frozen vegetables could be one way to increase the body's potassium count, the newspaper advised. Dr Arif also suggested that people keep an eye on the sodium content of the drinks they consume and choose to eat at home rather than eating out to control their salt intake.

According to the British Heart Foundation, people over the age of 11 should consume no more than 2.5 grams of sodium - equivalent to six grams of salt - each day and ensure they check their food labels accordingly.