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Consuming too much salt is a recognized factor that increases the likelihood of developing hypertension.
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A recent study indicates that replacing regular table salt with a salt substitute may provide assistance in some way. control the blood pressure of elderly individuals.
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Salt substitutes can assist in reducing the amount of sodium consumed while simultaneously boosting potassium intake, which is beneficial for maintaining optimal blood pressure levels.
Excessive salt consumption contributes to the worldwide occurrence of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Recent studies suggest that replacing table salt with salt substitutes, which are tasty additives with lower sodium content, may have the potential to decrease the likelihood of developing hypertension.
An article published February 12 in the A publication called the Journal of the American College of CardiologyA study discovered that senior individuals with elevated blood pressure who incorporated a salt substitute into their diet experienced a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure. Additionally, their overall blood pressure levels were lower in comparison to individuals who consumed table salt.
Salt substitutes offer a healthier alternative to traditional salt.
also known as hypotension) can occur in certain individuals. hypotension ), a possible risk to the well-being of individuals who have healthy blood pressure , the similarities between the two groups were almost indistinguishable.
high blood pressure, but also to individuals who are at risk of developing the condition.” hypertension This statement has been proven in previous research and applies to both individuals with high blood pressure and those with normal blood pressure. It further emphasizes that this approach is safe to use. Dr. Yangfeng Wu , the senior author of the study, informed that they conducted the research at Peking University Clinical Research Institute. Medical News Today.
There is a 40% reduction in the risk of high blood pressure when using a salt substitute.
The research comes out of the DECIDE-Salt trial The paragraph describes a study conducted at 48 elderly care facilities in China. The majority (about 75%) of the participants were males, and their average age was 71 years.
Scientists conducted a two-year trial to observe the impact of various salt initiatives on the blood pressure of participants.
The usual was compared to a 2×2 factorial design. salt intake and gradually limited the amount of salt consumed to either regular salt or a replacement for salt.
Tips to change your eating habits and consume less salt.
Blood pressure levels showed improvement in individuals who were given the salt substitute.
In order to delve deeper into these discoveries, scientists aimed to examine the specific impact of the salt substitute on individuals whose blood pressure was below 140/90 mm Hg.
Approximately 600 participants were involved in the research, with each group evenly divided between those who received regular salt and those who were given the salt substitute.
In order to be eligible for the study, individuals had to have a blood pressure measurement lower than 140/90 mm Hg, according to the study’s criteria for “normal” blood pressure. Additionally, they were not allowed to be taking any medications for their blood pressure. blood pressure medication .
paragraph above, it is crucial to understand that the optimal blood pressure measurement is 120/80. As per the information stated.The CDC is an organization that focuses on preventing and controlling diseases.Anything exceeding this range is classified as being at risk or prehypertensive.
During the study conducted for a period of 2 years, it was observed by the researchers that individuals who belonged to the salt substitute group had a 40% lower risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those in the salt group.
Among individuals consuming salt substitute, there was a recorded total of 60 fresh instances of high blood pressure, whereas those consuming regular salt had a total of 95 cases.
In the meantime, the incidence of low blood pressure was similar in both groups: approximately 16.6% of participants in the salt substitute group experienced it, compared to 11.7% in the salt group. However, the researchers did not consider this result to be statistically significant.
Salt substitutes reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The mean blood pressure measurement was significant for both groups. In comparison to the initial reading, the group using a salt substitute experienced a reduction of 8 points on average. systolic blood pressure The number at the top experienced a reduction, while the less strong, but still noteworthy, decrease was 2 points. diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).
According to Dr. Wu, the study showed that the average blood pressure rose in the group who consumed regular salt, but remained stable in the group who consumed salt substitute.
The writers observe that the salt substitute seemed to stop blood pressure from rising instead of causing a decrease in blood pressure. This difference clarifies why instances of low blood pressure remained consistent.
Should you reduce your salt intake?
Elevated blood pressure and other adverse health effects have been linked to the consumption of salt.
- heart attack
- stroke
- kidney damage
- osteoporosis
There is an increasing amount of evidence which indicates that using salt substitutes can be an inexpensive and efficient method of reducing the amount of salt consumed.
Dr. Rik Olde Engberink, a researcher at the University of Amsterdam UMC, analyzed the possible public health impacts of widespread usage of salt substitutes in a related editorial. He argued that global efforts to reduce salt consumption have been ineffective and suggested that utilizing salt substitutes could be a more appealing option.
Dr. Engberink advised individuals to choose supermarket products with low salt content and refrain from adding salt themselves, for optimal health.
He stated that it is challenging for people to do this, but he would rather his patients consume less than 5 grams of salt instead of consuming 10 grams of the salt substitute.
Hidden salt in foods
The amount of sodium people consume is primarily influenced by the processing of food rather than the use of a salt shaker on the table.
The majority of sodium intake, around 90%, is derived from refined and processed foods as well as meals consumed at restaurants, while only a small portion, approximately 10%, is obtained from the use of a salt shaker.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, a Cleveland Clinic dietitian and author of the book Regenerative Health, advised MNT that she suggests avoiding processed foods and substituting salt with herbs and roots.
“According to her, ultra-processed foods are often excessively salty, and using salt substitutes can help. However, her main focus when working with patients is not primarily to change their behavior.”
Replacing salt with healthy alternatives can reduce the risk of high blood pressure by up to 25%.
What is the ideal sodium intake per day?
The terms salt and sodium are commonly used in the same way, but it is crucial to understand the distinction between them.
Salt, also known as table salt, consists of sodium chloride, with approximately 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Thus, in a specific quantity of salt, like a tablespoon, only 40% of it is sodium. This is the reason why the daily guidelines for salt consumption may vary from recommendations for sodium intake.
The World Health Organization advises individuals to consume no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium or 5 grams of salt on a daily basis. In the United States, the recommended daily intake of sodium is less than 2,300 milligrams.
Not only does sodium originate from salt, it can also be present in other substances such as sodium nitrate and baking soda.
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Different salt substitutes
However, in contrast, salt substitutes, similar to the one employed in the research, substitute a portion of the sodium content with a different mineral known as potassium, alongside adding seasonings like mushroom, lemon, herbs, or seaweed for enhanced taste.
During the DECIDE-Salt trial, the salt alternative consisted of 62.5% sodium chloride, 25% potassium chloride, and 12.5% dehydrated food flavorings.
Salt substitutes have the advantage of not only reducing sodium intake but also increasing potassium intake, which has been proven to have positive effects on blood pressure.
Dr. Wu stated that utilizing salt substitute enriched with potassium is effective in decreasing sodium consumption and increasing potassium consumption simultaneously. This approach has the advantage of effectively reducing blood pressure without necessitating significant modifications in lifestyle habits.
