Even in people who did not use the DASH diet, a significant reduction in blood pressure was seen when sodium was reduced. This is the equivalent of almost 9 grams or 1.5 teaspoons of salt. The majority of this salt comes from prepackaged foods and not from salt added in cooking. Vegetarians typically have lower blood pressure than non-vegetarians, possibly for dietary reasons or because vegetarians tend to have lower weights. Nevertheless, many vegetarian convenience foods are quite high in sodium.
Consumers can contact manufacturers and request that they reduce sodium in their products.
Sacks FM, et al. 2001. Greenland P. 2001. When organic standards were first proposed, there was a tremendous outcry because the proposed standards allowed genetically engineered foods, irradiated foods, and foods grown with sewage sludge to be defined as organic. The final standards incorporate many of the comments and prohibit the use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge in organic production. New labeling regulations for organic products have been developed.