The effects on blood pressure of three levels of sodium intake and two dietary patterns were compared. The combined impact of sodium reduction with dietary intervention was evaluated as a potential non-pharmacologic treatment alternative to drug therapy for stage one hypertension or for maintaining normal blood pressure levels. The two dietary patterns were a control diet that represented the typical American diet and an intervention diet (DASH diet) that was high in fruits, vegetables, included whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts, and reduced in fats, red meat, sweets, and sugar-containing beverages and dairy products. The three levels of sodium were higher (current United States intake), intermediate (current recommended levels), and lower (potentially optimal levels). Participants were assigned to one of the two dietary patterns using a parallel group design and were fed at each sodium level using a randomized cross-over design.