For people with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease and other medical problems, a low-salt diet may be beneficial and is often prescribed by physicians.

If you are on a low-salt diet, you should avoid packaged or processed foods unless they are labeled 'low-sodium.' Food is considered 'low-sodium' if it has less than 140 mg of sodium chloride per serving. And when eating out, you should ask for your food to be prepared without salt.

Consider the following to help you shake the salt habit:

Food items and sources good for a low-sodium lifestyle include:

Quick Tip: Try replacing snack foods like potato chips, pretzels and tortilla chips with fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are healthful alternatives to salty snacks. While on your way out the door, take along healthy 5-a-day snacks like an apple, banana, baby carrots, celery sticks and box of 100% vegetable juice.