What dietary recommendation should be followed by a client diagnosed with high blood pressure?

For a client diagnosed with high blood pressure, limiting sodium intake is a key dietary recommendation. High sodium consumption can lead to increased blood pressure because it causes the body to retain water, which increases blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure. By reducing sodium intake, individuals can help manage their blood pressure levels more effectively.

Additionally, adopting a diet low in sodium typically encourages the inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, promoting overall cardiovascular health. This dietary approach also aligns with established guidelines, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes reducing sodium as a critical component in managing high blood pressure.

In contrast, increasing consumption of processed foods often leads to higher sodium intake, making it counterproductive for someone trying to manage hypertension. Similarly, incorporating more caffeine may have varying effects on blood pressure depending on the individual, but excessive caffeine can lead to spikes in blood pressure. Reducing protein consumption is not generally advised for managing high blood pressure and could lead to other nutritional deficiencies if not done carefully. Therefore, limiting sodium intake is the most appropriate and effective dietary recommendation for managing high blood pressure.