How Nutrition Supports Healthy Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is something many people don't think about until a reading comes back higher than expected.

But your blood pressure is influenced by much more than just the amount of salt you add to your food.

Your overall dietary pattern matters.

The foods you eat can affect:

• Sodium intake

• Potassium intake

• Body weight

• Fiber intake

• Saturated fat intake

• Overall cardiovascular health

• Blood glucose regulation

• Nutrient intake

This is why nutrition plays an important role in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

One of the best-studied dietary approaches is the DASH eating pattern—Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy and other nutrient-rich foods while limiting sodium, saturated fat and added sugars. Research supported by the NHLBI has shown that DASH can lower blood pressure.

But you don't have to completely change your cuisine to eat for better blood-pressure health.

A traditional Indian diet can be adapted using familiar foods such as:

Dal + vegetables + whole grains + fruits + nuts/seeds + appropriate dairy + less salty packaged food.

Let's understand how.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dash-eating-plan

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against the walls of your arteries.

It is recorded using two numbers:

Systolic blood pressure

The top number represents the pressure when the heart contracts.

Diastolic blood pressure

The bottom number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

For adults, the 2025 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guideline defines:

• Normal: less than 120/80 mm Hg

• Elevated: 120–129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic

• Stage 1 hypertension: 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic

• Stage 2 hypertension: 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic

A single high reading does not necessarily mean that you have hypertension.

Blood pressure can vary depending on:

• Stress

• Physical activity

• Sleep

• Caffeine

• Illness

• Medications

• Measurement conditions

Persistent elevated readings should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dash-eating-plan

Why Does Nutrition Matter for Blood Pressure?

Your diet can influence several factors associated with blood pressure.

For example:

High sodium intake

Can contribute to higher blood pressure in many people.

Low potassium intake

May reduce one of the dietary factors that helps counter sodium's effects.

Excess calorie intake

Can contribute to excess body weight, which is associated with higher blood pressure.

Low intake of fruits and vegetables

Can mean lower intake of potassium, magnesium, fiber and other nutrients.

High intake of saturated fat and highly processed foods

Can work against an overall heart-healthy eating pattern.

This is why blood-pressure nutrition is not simply:

"Stop eating salt."

It is:

"Build a healthier overall dietary pattern."
https://wellorafit.com/services/nutrition-diet-planning/

The DASH Diet: A Science-Backed Approach

DASH stands for:

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

It was developed and studied specifically in relation to blood pressure.

The eating pattern emphasizes:

• Vegetables

• Fruits

• Whole grains

• Beans and legumes

• Nuts and seeds

• Low-fat or fat-free dairy

• Fish and lean proteins

• Healthy oils

It limits:

• Sodium

• Saturated fat

• Sugary foods and beverages

• Excessive sweets

• Foods high in saturated fat

Importantly, DASH isn't a crash diet.

It is a long-term eating pattern.

What Makes DASH Different?

DASH isn't based on one "superfood."

Its strength comes from the combination of foods.

The pattern provides more:

• Potassium

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Fiber

• Protein

while reducing:

• Sodium

• Saturated fat

• Added sugars

The NHLBI describes DASH as a flexible eating plan rather than a diet requiring special foods.

This makes its principles adaptable to Indian cooking.

1. Sodium: The Nutrient to Watch

Sodium is an essential mineral.

Your body needs it for:

• Fluid balance

• Nerve function

• Muscle function

But too much sodium can contribute to increased blood pressure.

The WHO recommends that adults consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day, equivalent to less than 5 g of salt per day.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg sodium per day for adults, with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg for most adults, particularly those with high blood pressure.

These recommendations are about total sodium intake, not simply the salt you add at the table.

Where Does Sodium Come From?

Many people think sodium comes only from the salt shaker.

But sodium can also come from:

• Pickles

• Papad

• Namkeen

• Packaged snacks

• Instant noodles

• Processed sauces

• Ready-to-eat foods

• Packaged soups

• Processed meats

• Restaurant foods

• Commercial breads

• Seasoning mixes

WHO highlights processed foods and condiments as important sources of sodium.

This means you can eat relatively little added salt at home and still consume a high-sodium diet if packaged foods are frequent.

Does That Mean You Should Stop Eating Salt Completely?

No.

Sodium is essential.

The goal is to avoid excessive intake, not eliminate sodium completely.

A better strategy is:

Use less salt + reduce high-sodium packaged foods + choose more naturally nutrient-rich foods.

Indian Foods That Can Be High in Sodium

Some foods that deserve portion and frequency awareness include:

• Pickles

• Papad

• Namkeen

• Bhujia

• Salted peanuts

• Packaged soups

• Instant noodles

• Processed cheese

• Sauces

• Chutneys with large amounts of salt

• Packaged ready-to-eat meals

• Restaurant gravies

This doesn't mean you can never eat them.

It means they shouldn't become the daily foundation of your diet if you're trying to manage blood pressure.
https://wellorafit.com/services/nutrition-diet-planning/

2. Potassium: The Sodium Counterbalance

Potassium is another important mineral for blood-pressure health.

Potassium-rich foods can help counter some of sodium's effects and support normal blood-vessel function.

Good food sources include:

• Bananas

• Oranges

• Guava

• Papaya

• Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Tomatoes

• Spinach

• Beans

• Lentils

• Yogurt

• Nuts

The key message:

Don't only reduce sodium. Also build a diet naturally rich in potassium-containing foods.

Important: Potassium Supplements Are Not for Everyone

More potassium isn't automatically better.

People with:

• Kidney disease

• Certain heart conditions

• Some hormonal disorders

or those taking certain medications may need to limit potassium or monitor it carefully.

The AHA specifically cautions that increasing potassium or using potassium-based salt substitutes may be harmful for people with kidney disease or certain medications.

So:

Food first, supplements only when appropriate.

3. Fruits and Vegetables Matter

One of the simplest ways to improve your diet for blood-pressure health is to eat more fruits and vegetables.

They provide:

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Fiber

• Antioxidants

• Vitamins

• Water

• Plant compounds

The DASH eating pattern emphasizes 4–5 servings each of vegetables and fruits per day at a 2,000-calorie level.

You don't have to eat exactly that amount if your calorie needs differ, but the principle is important:

Make plant foods a regular part of your meals.

4. Choose Whole Grains More Often

Whole grains provide:

• Fiber

• Magnesium

• B vitamins

• Other nutrients

Examples include:

• Whole wheat

• Oats

• Barley

• Brown rice

• Jowar

• Bajra

• Ragi

Instead of making refined grains the only grain choice, rotate different whole-grain options.

For example:

Roti + dal + vegetables

is a more nutrient-dense pattern than a meal built primarily around refined packaged foods.

5. Fiber and Blood Pressure

Fiber is not a blood-pressure medication.

But high-fiber dietary patterns are associated with better overall cardiovascular health.

Good sources include:

• Vegetables

• Fruits

• Whole grains

• Beans

• Dal

• Chickpeas

• Nuts

• Seeds

Increasing fiber gradually while drinking adequate fluids can help you build a more balanced diet.

6. Beans and Dal: An Indian Advantage

Indian diets have a major advantage when it comes to blood-pressure-friendly foods:

Legumes are already part of traditional cooking.

Examples include:

• Moong dal

• Masoor dal

• Toor dal

• Chana dal

• Rajma

• Chole

• Lobia

These foods provide combinations of:

• Protein

• Fiber

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Other micronutrients

DASH specifically includes beans, peas, nuts and seeds as part of the eating pattern.

7. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds can fit well into a heart-healthy eating pattern.

Examples:

• Almonds

• Walnuts

• Peanuts

• Pumpkin seeds

• Flaxseeds

• Chia seeds

• Sesame seeds

They provide:

• Healthy fats

• Magnesium

• Fiber

• Plant protein

Choose unsalted versions more often to avoid unnecessary sodium.

And remember:

Healthy does not mean unlimited.

Nuts and seeds are energy-dense, so portion size still matters.

8. Choose Healthy Fats

The type of fat in your diet matters.

A heart-healthy pattern emphasizes unsaturated fats while limiting saturated and trans fats.

Useful sources include:

• Nuts

• Seeds

• Fish

• Avocado

• Vegetable oils in appropriate amounts

The DASH eating plan specifically limits foods high in saturated fat, including fatty meats, full-fat dairy and certain tropical oils.

9. What About Dairy?

Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods are included in the DASH eating pattern because they provide:

• Calcium

• Protein

• Other nutrients

Examples:

• Low-fat milk

• Curd

• Yogurt

For people who don't consume dairy, calcium-fortified alternatives can be considered.

For more information, see:

Calcium Beyond Milk: The Best Dietary Sources

10. Limit Saturated Fat

Blood pressure isn't only about sodium.

A heart-healthy dietary pattern also considers fat quality.

Limit frequent intake of foods high in saturated fat such as:

• Fatty meats

• High-fat dairy

• Butter and ghee in excessive amounts

• Fried foods

• Commercial baked foods

• Some highly processed foods

This doesn't mean you need to completely eliminate traditional foods.

It means frequency, quantity and overall dietary pattern matter.

11. Added Sugar Matters Too

Sugar doesn't directly act like sodium, but diets high in added sugars can contribute to excess calorie intake and weight gain.

Sugary drinks are particularly easy to overconsume because they provide calories without much satiety.

Limit:

• Soft drinks

• Sweetened juices

• Energy drinks

• Sugary coffee drinks

• Sweetened packaged beverages

• Frequent sweets and desserts

DASH also recommends limiting sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages.

12. Weight Management and Blood Pressure

Body weight is another factor that can influence blood pressure.

For people living with excess weight, even modest weight loss can support cardiovascular health.

The current AHA/ACC guideline recommends maintaining or achieving a healthy weight as part of lifestyle management for elevated blood pressure and hypertension.

This doesn't mean crash dieting.

Instead focus on:

• Sustainable calorie intake

• Protein-rich meals

• Fiber

• Vegetables

• Whole grains

• Regular physical activity

• Adequate sleep

13. Alcohol and Blood Pressure

Alcohol can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

For people who drink, reducing alcohol intake—or avoiding it—can be part of a heart-healthy approach.

The 2025 AHA/ACC guideline recommends reducing or eliminating alcohol as part of lifestyle management for elevated blood pressure and hypertension.

14. Hydration and Blood Pressure

Water is important for normal body function, but drinking excessive amounts of water does not treat high blood pressure.

Aim for appropriate hydration based on:

• Thirst

• Weather

• Activity

• Individual needs

• Medical conditions

People with certain heart or kidney conditions may have individualized fluid recommendations.

15. Read Food Labels for Sodium

This is one of the most practical habits you can develop.

When buying packaged food, look for:

Sodium

rather than only checking:

Salt

Compare similar products and choose lower-sodium options when possible.

Also pay attention to:

• Serving size

• Number of servings per package

• Saturated fat

• Added sugar

The AHA recommends using nutrition labels to make more informed choices about sodium and saturated fat.

A Simple Indian Food Swap Strategy

You don't have to completely redesign your meals.

Make small changes.

Instead of

Try more often

Salted namkeen

Unsalted nuts + fruit

Instant noodles

Vegetable poha/upma

Pickle with every meal

Fresh salad/vegetables

Salted peanuts

Unsalted roasted peanuts

Refined bread

Whole-grain options

Packaged soup

Homemade vegetable soup

Sugary drinks

Water/unsweetened beverages

Fried snacks

Roasted chana

Very salty papad

Vegetables or dal

Restaurant-heavy meals

Home-cooked meals

What Does a Blood-Pressure-Friendly Indian Plate Look Like?

A practical plate could contain:

½ Plate

Vegetables and/or salad

¼ Plate

Protein-rich food such as:

• Dal

• Beans

• Chole

• Rajma

• Tofu

• Fish

• Lean chicken

¼ Plate

Whole-grain carbohydrate such as:

• Roti

• Brown rice

• Millets

• Barley

And add:

Curd + fruit + a small portion of unsalted nuts/seeds

when appropriate.

This isn't a rigid prescription.

It's a simple framework for building a balanced meal.

Example: Blood-Pressure-Friendly Indian Day

Early Morning

Water

Breakfast

Vegetable oats or vegetable poha + unsalted peanuts

Mid-Morning

Guava/orange/papaya

Lunch

2 whole-wheat rotis + moong dal + mixed vegetable sabzi + curd + salad

Evening Snack

Roasted chana + fruit

Dinner

Rajma + controlled portion of brown rice + vegetables

Optional

Unsweetened yogurt or another suitable snack depending on individual requirements

This type of meal pattern naturally provides:

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Calcium

• Fiber

• Protein

while making it easier to limit highly processed, high-sodium foods.

What About Pickles and Papad?

You don't necessarily need to ban them.

But both can add significant sodium depending on preparation and portion.

Instead of:

Pickle + papad + salty snack + packaged food

every day, think:

Occasional small portion + mostly fresh foods.

The overall sodium load matters.

Restaurant Food and Blood Pressure

Restaurant meals can contain more sodium than you expect.

Common sources include:

• Gravies

• Sauces

• Cheese

• Pickles

• Seasoning mixes

• Salted butter

• Processed ingredients

Useful strategies:

Ask for less salt where possible.

Choose grilled, steamed or lightly cooked options.

Request sauces separately.

Choose dal, vegetables and roti over heavily processed sides.

Avoid adding extra salt automatically.

Cooking Methods That Can Help

You don't need to eat bland food to reduce sodium.

Build flavor using:

• Lemon

• Coriander

• Mint

• Ginger

• Garlic

• Cumin

• Black pepper

• Turmeric

• Chilli

• Fresh herbs

• Roasted spices

The goal is:

Less dependence on salt for flavor.

Is Himalayan Pink Salt Better for Blood Pressure?

This is a common misconception.

Himalayan pink salt is still primarily sodium chloride.

Replacing regular salt with pink salt does not automatically make a high-sodium diet heart-healthy.

The important factor is total sodium intake.

What About Rock Salt?

Rock salt also contains sodium.

So:

Rock salt ≠ low-sodium salt

Simply changing the type of salt doesn't solve excessive sodium intake.

What About Potassium Salt?

Potassium-based salt substitutes can help lower sodium intake and may benefit some adults with elevated blood pressure.

However, they are not suitable for everyone.

People with:

• Kidney disease

• Certain medical conditions

• Certain medications

may develop dangerously high potassium levels.

Always check with a healthcare professional before switching to a potassium-based salt substitute if you have a medical condition or take regular medication.

Can Bananas Lower Blood Pressure?

Bananas are a good source of potassium.

Potassium-rich foods can support blood-pressure management as part of an overall healthy eating pattern.

But eating a banana does not "cancel out" a high-sodium diet.

Think:

Overall pattern > single food.

What About Beetroot?

Beetroot contains naturally occurring nitrates, which have been studied in relation to vascular function and blood pressure.

But you don't need beetroot juice as a mandatory treatment.

Whole vegetables and a varied diet remain the foundation.

If you enjoy beetroot, include it as one of many vegetables.

What About Garlic?

Garlic is a nutritious ingredient and can be part of a heart-healthy eating pattern.

But garlic should not be treated as a replacement for prescribed blood-pressure medication.

Use it to improve flavor while reducing dependence on excess salt.

What About Green Tea?

Unsweetened green tea can fit into a healthy diet.

But it is not a treatment for hypertension.

Also remember that green tea contains caffeine, which can temporarily affect blood pressure in some people.

What About "Detox" Drinks?

Lemon water, cucumber water, herbal drinks and similar beverages can be enjoyable.

But there is no special detox drink that replaces a healthy diet or blood-pressure treatment.

For blood-pressure health:

Your everyday meals matter far more than a morning drink.

Can Nutrition Replace Blood Pressure Medication?

Not always.

Lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage high blood pressure, but some people need medication.

The 2025 AHA/ACC guideline recommends medication alongside lifestyle interventions for all adults with average blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg and for selected adults at ≥130/80 mm Hg depending on cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or overall cardiovascular risk.

Never stop or reduce prescribed blood-pressure medication because your diet has improved.

Nutrition Is One Part of Blood Pressure Management

A heart-healthy lifestyle combines:

Nutrition

DASH-style eating, lower sodium and more potassium-rich foods.

Physical Activity

Regular movement and exercise.

Healthy Weight

Achieve or maintain a healthy weight where appropriate.

Sleep

Adequate, consistent sleep.

Stress Management

Healthy ways to manage chronic stress.

Alcohol

Reduce or avoid alcohol.

These lifestyle measures are recommended alongside appropriate medical care.

7 Simple Nutrition Habits for Healthier Blood Pressure

1. Add One More Vegetable

Increase vegetables gradually rather than trying to completely change your diet overnight.

2. Eat Fruit Daily

Choose whole fruit more often than sugary beverages.

3. Include Dal or Legumes

Make dal, beans, chole, rajma or lobia regular parts of meals.

4. Reduce Packaged Salty Snacks

Namkeen, chips and instant foods can quickly increase sodium intake.

5. Choose Unsalted Nuts and Seeds

They provide healthy fats, fiber and minerals without unnecessary added sodium.

6. Use Less Salt While Cooking

Then build flavor using spices, herbs, lemon, ginger and garlic.

7. Read the Label

Compare sodium, saturated fat and added sugar before buying packaged foods.

A Quick Blood-Pressure-Friendly Grocery List

Vegetables

• Spinach

• Methi

• Carrots

• Tomatoes

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Beans

• Bottle gourd

• Pumpkin

Fruits

• Guava

• Orange

• Banana

• Papaya

• Apple

• Pomegranate

• Melons

Protein Foods

• Moong dal

• Masoor dal

• Rajma

• Chole

• Lobia

• Tofu

• Curd

• Fish

• Lean poultry

Whole Grains

• Whole wheat

• Oats

• Barley

• Brown rice

• Jowar

• Bajra

• Ragi

Healthy Fats

• Almonds

• Walnuts

• Peanuts

• Flaxseeds

• Chia seeds

• Sesame seeds

Flavor Builders

• Lemon

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Coriander

• Mint

• Cumin

• Black pepper

• Turmeric

Foods to Limit More Often

This does not mean every item is "forbidden."

Focus on reducing frequency and portions.

High-Sodium Foods

• Chips

• Namkeen

• Pickles

• Papad

• Instant noodles

• Packaged soups

• Processed meats

• Salty sauces

• Ready-to-eat meals

High-Saturated-Fat Foods

• Fatty meats

• Excess butter

• Large amounts of ghee

• Full-fat processed foods

• Deep-fried foods

High-Added-Sugar Foods

• Soft drinks

• Sweetened beverages

• Frequent desserts

• Sugary cereals

• Packaged sweets

Common Myths About Nutrition and Blood Pressure

Myth 1: Blood Pressure Is Only About Salt

Fact: Sodium matters, but blood pressure is influenced by overall diet, body weight, physical activity, alcohol, stress and other factors.

Myth 2: You Must Stop Eating Salt Completely

Fact: Sodium is an essential nutrient. The goal is to avoid excessive intake.

Myth 3: Pink Salt Is Better for Blood Pressure

Fact: Pink salt still contains sodium. Switching salts doesn't automatically reduce sodium intake.

Myth 4: One Banana Can Lower Your Blood Pressure

Fact: Bananas provide potassium, but blood-pressure management depends on the overall dietary pattern.

Myth 5: Only Older Adults Need to Worry About Blood Pressure

Fact: Elevated blood pressure can occur in younger adults too. Healthy habits are useful throughout life.

Myth 6: If You Eat Healthy, You Don't Need Medication

Fact: Some people still require medication despite healthy lifestyle habits.

Myth 7: You Need Expensive "Heart-Healthy" Foods

Fact: Many affordable foods—dal, beans, seasonal vegetables, fruits, whole grains and peanuts—fit well into a heart-healthy diet.

Myth 8: A Heart-Healthy Diet Has to Be Bland

Fact: Herbs, spices, lemon, ginger, garlic and other flavoring ingredients can make lower-sodium meals enjoyable.

Key Takeaways

• Nutrition is an important part of preventing and managing elevated blood pressure.

• DASH is one of the best-studied eating patterns for blood-pressure management.

• A blood-pressure-friendly diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and appropriate dairy or alternatives.

• Reducing excessive sodium intake is important.

• WHO recommends adults consume less than 2,000 mg sodium per day, equivalent to less than 5 g of salt.

• Potassium-rich foods can help counter some of sodium's effects.

• People with kidney disease or certain medical conditions should not increase potassium without professional advice.

• Choose unsalted nuts and seeds more often.

• Limit highly processed and salty foods.

• Fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains support an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern.

• Weight management, physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management also matter.

• A healthy diet can support blood-pressure management but does not always replace medication.

• Never stop prescribed blood-pressure medication without medical guidance.

Conclusion

Healthy blood pressure isn't built by removing one ingredient from your diet.

It is built through hundreds of small food choices repeated over time.

Instead of thinking:

"I need a special hypertension diet."

Think:

"I need a more heart-friendly everyday diet."

That can mean:

More vegetables.

More fruits.

More dal and legumes.

More whole grains.

More unsalted nuts and seeds.

Less packaged salty food.

Less excess sugar.

Less reliance on highly processed meals.

And when appropriate, less sodium overall.

The DASH eating pattern provides a useful framework because it combines these principles rather than focusing on a single nutrient. Research has consistently shown that DASH can help lower blood pressure, particularly when combined with reduced sodium intake.

For an Indian household, this doesn't require abandoning familiar foods.

A meal of:

Dal + roti + sabzi + curd + salad

can fit beautifully into a heart-healthy pattern.

So can:

Rajma + controlled rice portion + vegetables

or:

Chole + whole-wheat roti + mixed vegetables.

The goal is not perfection.

It's to gradually shift the balance toward fresh, minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods and away from excess sodium, added sugars and highly processed foods.

And if your blood pressure is consistently elevated, nutrition should be viewed as one part of treatment—not a replacement for medical care.

Eat for your heart today, not only when your blood pressure becomes a problem.

FAQ

1. Can diet help lower blood pressure?

Yes. Dietary patterns such as DASH have been shown to lower blood pressure. Reducing sodium and emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and appropriate dairy are key components.

2. What foods are best for healthy blood pressure?

Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy and other minimally processed foods are useful components of a heart-healthy diet.

3. How much salt should I eat?

WHO recommends less than 5 g of salt per day, equivalent to less than 2,000 mg sodium for adults.

4. Is potassium good for blood pressure?

Potassium-rich foods can help reduce the effects of sodium and support healthy blood pressure.

5. Which Indian foods are rich in potassium?

Dal, beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, bananas, guava, oranges and other fruits and vegetables can contribute potassium.

6. Should people with high blood pressure stop eating salt completely?

No. Sodium is essential, but excessive intake should be reduced. The goal is to stay within recommended limits.

7. Is Himalayan pink salt better for blood pressure?

No. Pink salt still contains sodium. The important factor is total sodium intake.

8. Can I eat dal if I have high blood pressure?

Yes. Dal and other legumes fit well into a DASH-style eating pattern and provide protein, fiber and minerals.

9. Is curd good for blood pressure?

Plain curd or yogurt can fit into a heart-healthy eating pattern and provides calcium and protein. Choose lower-sodium options and avoid heavily sweetened varieties.

10. Can weight loss improve blood pressure?

For people with excess weight, achieving a healthier weight can support blood-pressure management.

11. Can I control high blood pressure with diet alone?

Sometimes lifestyle changes have a significant effect, but many people require medication as well. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.

12. Should I take potassium supplements for high blood pressure?

Not without professional advice. Potassium supplements and potassium-based salt substitutes can be dangerous for people with kidney disease or certain medical conditions and medications.