Normal People can Enjoy Eating Salt
Close up of Salt Grains on a Spoon
Should salt be avoided to prevent cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people consume not more than two grams (1 teaspoon) a day of salt to prevent cardiovascular disease, but so far no country has managed to achieve this level. Some people who suffer from high blood pressure are told by their doctors to avoid salt altogether. Sodium (salt) is one of the most important minerals needed by the body and is found in all the tissues. Sodium deficiency is a dangerous situation, especially in hot weather.
Normal People can Consume up to 5 grams of Salt a Day
A study published by scientists of the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, together with other research colleagues from 21 countries in the Lancet Journal, August 11, 2018, found that most normal people without cardiovascular disease, can consume a little bit of salt every day as long as it does not go over 5 grams (2.5 teaspoons).
Potassium Rich Foods
The researchers also discovered that all cardiovascular diseases and even death decreased when the diet was full of potassium rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat milk and yogurt, potatoes, sweet potatoes and beans.
Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology Study
The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology Study is ongoing in 21 countries, and this part of the study focused on 18 countries. The study followed 95,767 adults ranging in age from 35-70, who did not have cardiovascular problems or diseases. These participants were followed over a period of eight years. The researchers checked morning fasting urine samples of the participants to estimate how much sodium and potassium were excreted over 24 hours. They also assessed community-level associations between sodium and potassium intake and blood pressure in 369 communities, as well as cardiovascular disease and mortality in 255 communities.
China was the only Country Where Salt Consumption was too High
Only in China did the researchers find 82 (80%) of 103 communities had a mean sodium intake greater than 5 grams a day, whereas in other countries 224 (84%) of 266 communities had a mean intake of 3–5 grams a day. In these Chinese communities where the salt intake was more than 5 grams a day the researchers found cardiovascular disease and strokes. The researchers suggest that only in these particular communities there should be some attempt to lower the amount of daily salt consumed.
Rehabilitation from Cardiovascular Disease
When you or your loved one need short-term rehab for some cardiovascular problem like recovery from a heart attack or a stroke, you can find exceptional rehabilitative therapy and care at the Ditmas Park Rehab and Care Center in Brooklyn, New York. Ditmas Park Rehab and Care is a 5-star facility with an excellent reputation for stroke and cardio rehabilitation.
Brooklyn Hospitals near Ditmas Park Rehab and Care Center, Brooklyn, New York.
New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn (formerly named NYU Lutheran Medical Center)
SUNY Downstate Medical Center – University Hospital of Brooklyn
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
Conclusion
Normal people without cardiovascular disease can consume up to 5 grams of salt a day. However, people with cardiovascular disease must follow their doctor’s instructions about how much salt can be consumed in a day.