People can lower their blood pressure whether they consume an ordinary diet or DASH simply by reducing salt intake. DASH and a reduced salt intake lowered blood pressure more than either strategy alone. Cutting salt drops blood pressure more in blacks than whites and more in women than men. The average American consumes about 3,300 milligrams of salt a day, about 1 teaspoon. The study showed that the greatest drop in blood pressure came when salt intake dropped below 1,500 grams daily.
Sacks advocates public education and industry initiatives to reduce salt in packaged foods.
Greenland says that the new study buttresses earlier research indicating that the majority of Americans would benefit from eating a healthier, leaner, low-salt diet. The DASH team recommends that everyone restrict salt intake to 1,500 milligrams daily.