EXPERTS RECOMMEND SODIUM REDUCTION
Experts recommend sodium reduction for everyone All Americans, not just hypertensive patients, should reduce sodium (salt) consumption, according to a panel of hypertension experts convened by the Columbia University School of Public Health. After examining numerous studies, these experts concluded that there is a link between salt intake and blood pressure. It is in their opinion that all people can benefit from reducing dietary sodium.
Fifty million Americans or 25% of the population suffer from hypertension. There is evidence that systolic blood pressure increases with age in societies that consume a lot of salt but not in those with low-sodium diets. For this reason, the panel endorses the daily sodium intake of no more than 2400 mg, which is equal to about 6 gm of salt. The average American consumes twice that amount. The panel believes that people may be able to prevent or treat hypertension by following a strict, low-sodium diet.
It is possible that some people will not need any medication at all if they reduce their salt intake. In this day and age when people are fearful of medications, many of them are already highly motivated to reduce their salt intake if it means not having to take any medications. Medications to treat hypertension are not without unwanted side effects so if their hypertension can be treated through diet they believe they are better off. Reducing salt in our diets is not easy, though. The processed, canned, and frozen foods we eat are high in sodium.
Sodium is commonly used as a preservative or flavor enhancer. Accustomed to a salty taste, people often reject low-sodium foods as "bland". We need more low-sodium products that are palatable to choose from. We need a food industry that cares and that can provide various options for us to use. We also need training to help people make a shift in taste, cooking and dietary pattern behaviors. We need to educate people in how to read product labels and how to make smart food, low-sodium choices.
Using a salt substitute along with pepper or other flavor enhancing spices to lower your salt consumption is our recommendation and the first step in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Eating properly through better health is the key to a long and zestful life. Remember to follow your doctor’s guidelines and never to stop taking your hypertension medications suddenly. You, in conjunction with your doctor, can develop a thoughtful plan that reduces your salt intake that may prevent the need or may allow you to reduce your hypertensive medications.
02/06