SN instructed patient What can you do to control blood pressure? To minimize the risk of hypertension, control sodium, potassium, and other essential electrolytes the body uses to maintain fluid balance. The recommendation for patients with kidney disease: limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day. Most sodium in today’s diet comes from processed foods and restaurants foods. Unhealthy lifestyles choices, such as smoking tobacco, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption, may also contribute to hypertension.