Controlling blood pressure in people with hypertension is essential for lowering cardiovascularrelated mortality and morbidity. Modifications in one's way of life are one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against high blood pressure. The vast majority of controlled studies have indicated that even a small weight loss of 3-9% is associated with a significant drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of around 3 mm /Hg in overweight adults. Historically, it has been thought that limiting sodium chloride in one's diet would be the most important factor in bringing down blood pressure. Although its significance in population blood pressure remains debatable, changes in sodium consumption do alter blood pressure in the elderly and in patients with hypertension and diabetes. Recent meta-analyses suggest that ensuring appropriate consumption of minerals, such as potassium and presumably calcium, rather than restricting sodium intake should be the focus of dietary recommendations.