The average diets of middle-aged and older adults in the United States include excessive salt, which experts believe has contributed to increased mortality over the last decade.
In a recent study of 213 people, a low sodium diet reduced blood pressure in nearly 3 out of 4 people compared to a high sodium diet.
The low sodium diet’s anti-hypertensive effect was comparable with a widely used blood pressure medication.
High-salt diets are commonly associated with increases in blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular mortality, even among individuals with healthy blood pressure.
Lowered blood pressure with or without drugs.
The one-week low sodium diet resulted in a reduction in systolic blood pressure, mirroring the average effect of 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide, a prescription hypertension drug.
How to consume less salt?
Fortunately, modifying salt intake can be quite easy. The low salt diet was made up of foods available at regular grocery stores.
Recommend reading food and beverage labels. Many patients are unaware of the sodium content of certain foods and drinks. Canned vegetables, highly processed meals, fast food, and even [food in] fine dining restaurants are often very high in sodium.
