One of the most important things a person with heart failure can do to improve their health is to reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in their diet. Sodium is a mineral found in many foods. It helps keep normal fluids balanced in the body. Eating too much salt causes the body to keep or retain too much water, worsening the fluid build-up associated with heart failure.

Following a low-sodium diet helps control high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling and water build-up (edema), and/or decrease breathing difficulties for people who have kidney, heart or liver problems. If you have heart failure, you should consume no more than 2,000 mg (2 grams) of sodium per day.

This guide will help you recognize which foods to stay away from, give you helpful cooking tips, as well as help you make healthful food choices when dining out.