What is a low sodium diet? A low sodium diet means eating food that do not contain excessive salt content. A person with a low sodium diet need low sodium recipes to cook healthy low sodium cuisine. Why do we need a low sodium diet? A diet which has high sodium intake will give you high blood pressure and may cause fluid retention and then lead to the swelling of the legs and feet. You are advised to eat more healthy home-cooked meals that is cooked using low sodium recipes.