What salt substitutes are recommended for congestive heart failure patients?

Patients with congestive heart failure should not use salt substitutes unless approved by a physician, according to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Instead, patients should use herbs and low-sodium alternatives to season food.

Patients with congestive heart failure should eat no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium each day including 3 meals with 500 milligrams each and snacks totalling 500 milligrams, according to GroupHealth. Although it is recommended to avoid salt altogether patients can use spices, herbs and other low-sodium seasoning, such as Mrs. Dash. Balsamic vinegar and lemon juice are also recommended to enhance flavors in place of salt.