Some Good News About Salt

We’re here to ease your fears about salt. New research shows adults over 50, who are directed to follow the lowest sodium limitations, might not need to be so strict about limiting salt intake. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, considered self-reported diet information from over 2,600 older adults and found that higher sodium intake was not associated with an increased risk of death, cardiovascular disease, or heart failure. Yes, those who had up to 2,300 milligrams were no worse off 10 years later than those who limited themselves to 1,500 milligrams daily. It seems the only people who need to limit sodium are those with salt sensitive high blood pressure—but how do you know if you have that? If you have high BP and eliminate salt for a week, both the upper and lower numbers on your BP reading should drop by more than 20 points. For all others, maybe sodium and salt do not make much of a difference. That’s good news for everyone who likes to add a little flavor!
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