The battle rages on between the two salt camps: 1) conventional wisdom of reducing salt in the diet to reduce hypertension; and 2) reducing salt doesn’t help- it’s the kind of salt you are eating that matters.
New studies may shed some light on that fight.
So who is right?
A trio of studies recently published in the medical journal Circulation recently attempted to cement the ‘law’ of biology that too much sodium in the form of salt causes high blood pressure, and that by dramatically limiting intake could save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.
And yes, they succeeded in a way. But the issue is much more complicated than the researchers would like you to believe.
There is no doubt that hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading cause world wide of preventable deaths, but is it really salt’s fault?
[adrotate group=”5″]Other studies have shown an inverse relationship between low sodium diets and increased risk of death. These studies conflict with the Western theories that salt is bad.
What both camps actually do agree on, though, is that packaged, processed food is the real culprit.
In the packaging process, many nutrients needed for optimum health are destroyed. As well, excess amounts of processed salt are added for flavor and to extend shelf life.
People who eliminate processed foods tend to fare better than people who don’t. This could explain why people who are on whole food diets that still abundantly season their foods at mealtime with sea salt are actually healthier than those who completely eliminate salt altogether.
One of the theories that is still being studied is that people who use sea salt, which is rich in many minerals, is more flavorful so less is needed to attain great taste. This seems to ring true no matter where the salt is harvested.
Many sea salts also naturally contain iodine, which is essential for good health and to prevent goiter. For it to occur naturally is generally accepted as better than to add it during the refinement process later.
Other studies recently emerging have shown that the inability to process sodium due to stress is what makes salt the bad guy. If you can’t process it, it builds up in the system.
Naturally, reducing salt in that way would reduce sodium. But wouldn’t eliminating stress be better? Then you can still reap the benefits of all the healthful minerals found in sea salts.
Like your salt or not, there is an even more powerful way to lower blood pressure.
Discover how 3 easy exercises drop blood pressure below 120/80 as soon as today…
Follow this simple step-by-step plan to get your cholesterol under control in 30 days…
I have heard one doctor claim that it is not sodium that is the culprit, but the micro abrasive by-products found in sea salt that damage the walls of blood vessels and the resulting cholesterol build-up to “heal” these lesions. Are there any studies supporting this hypothesis?
ThankU so much.I agree with u because stress is more dangrous than salt for hypertension.
salt, not enough rest, diet and stress are all contributing factors to what causes high blood pressure.
How about mention of the sodium/potassium balance? Normal sodium with low potassium may also make sodium seem the culprit when it's the balance that matters.
I am opposed to salt for it is included even in tins of beans etc. Kelp or iodine is what I believe is required so check before usin a lot of processed salt.
I understand that ordinary salt is loaded with chemicals to make it white and make it pour. Without a fair amount of salt I suffer severe cramps of neck and diaphragm as well as calves and feet. I always use Himalayan or sea salt – never regular stuff if I can avoid it.
Agree packaged processed food is very high in salt. I suppose where you live has an effect on how much salt body needs, in hot climate where perspiration causes high loss of body fluid, more salt is needed. If you get cramps assume more salt needed. Confused.
These days I believe it has more to do with the type of salt consumed. For instance table salt is able to dissolve in water rather quickly, however MSG or some other more industrial salt takes more than a day. Now all these products are bragging they have sea salt, but don't ever believe them because it's likely to be MSG instead!
I like to think that the elite has sabotaged the salt. It would fit with my high opinion for them.