Salt trial provokes DASH of skepticism

A major new federal trial renews support for salt restriction and a healthy diet as ways of lowering blood pressure, even among people without hypertension.

Blood pressure falls with a low-salt diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber.

Roughly one-quarter of U.S. adults have hypertension, defined as a blood pressure higher than about 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).