Over the past decade, significant strides have been made in managing cardiovascular disease. However, we still have a ways to go in preventing premature loss of life due to this condition.
Numerous scientific studies have highlighted the detrimental impact of excessive sodium intake from processed and prepared foods on blood pressure, ultimately leading to heart attacks.
It's essential to note that all types of salt, whether it's rock salt, sea salt, Himalayan salt, or flavored salt, contain sodium, albeit in varying amounts. Even flavored salts, though they may vary slightly in sodium content, still contribute significantly to our intake.
To combat this, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends that Australian adults aim for no more than one teaspoon (5 grams) of salt per day, equating to around 2,000mg of sodium, to stave off chronic diseases.
In a groundbreaking trial conducted across 600 villages in rural China, B. Neal et al. found that for individuals with a history of stroke or those aged 60 and above with high blood pressure, substituting regular salt with a salt substitute led to lower rates of stroke, major cardiovascular events, and overall mortality. This study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in September 2021, underscores the importance of salt substitution in cardiovascular disease management ("Effect of Salt Substitution on Cardiovascular Events and Death," N Engl J Med; 385(12): 1067-1077, 2021 09 16).
Thankfully, there are alternatives to regular salt available, such as reduced-sodium salts enriched with potassium. Research indicates that increasing potassium intake can significantly lower the risk of various cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
One such option is Heart Salt, which boasts a 56% reduction in sodium content while being supplemented with potassium. However, it's crucial for individuals on medications or those with chronic kidney disease to consult their healthcare professionals before making the switch to potassium-enriched salts. This ensures their dietary choices align with their specific health needs and conditions.