Double the Salt for a Healthy Heart?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
To salt or not to salt?
That is the ultimate blood pressure question.
Well, at least it has been for the last handful of decades. And it’s been the cause of great confusion for folks who want to take care of their hearts.
Fortunately, researchers have pinpointed the exact amount of salt you should be eating every day to keep a healthy heart.
It’s a lot more than you think… and if you’re not getting enough salt, you could actually be putting your life in danger.
Current Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest you should consume less than 2.3 g of salt daily.
But now it looks like that’s way, way off.
The latest research indicates that eating double this amount, or 4–5 g of salt every day, is the sweet spot for heart health.
And if you’re getting much less than that, you may be doing permanent damage to your health.
Researchers studied the health data of over 133,000 people for four years. During the study, researchers tracked blood pressure readings and estimated sodium consumption.
Turns out that people without high blood pressure who consumed less than 3 grams of salt daily were a whopping 26 percent more likely to die or suffer from heart disease and stroke than folks who ate 4–5 g daily.
And get this – if you already have high blood pressure, eating less than 3 g of salt a day is actually 34 percent more dangerous for your health than eating more than 7 g a day.
It’s clear we’ve all been getting some pretty shoddy salt advice. But researchers say 4–5 g a day should be the new safe standard.
So be sure to dust off those salt shakers and use them liberally this weekend to get that perfect 4–5 g serving of salt.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: nmoore@lfb.org – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] GET THE FACTS: Sodium and the Dietary Guidelines
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Is Daylight Saving Time Damaging Your Health?
You’ve no doubt seen all the troubling headlines about daylight-saving time. After all, they hit like, well, clockwork twice a year—first in March and again around this time of year, when daylight saving time ends. They warn about heart attacks spiking, car accidents soaring, and how your precious sleep gets thrown into chaos. But what...
The Hobby Secret to Better Brain Health
We all enjoy our hobbies. After all, that’s WHY we do them. But it turns out your favorite pastimes could be far more than simply enjoyable… New research reveals your hobbies could be the key to keeping your brain sharp as you age. Researchers say whether you’re a crossword enthusiast, a knitting fan, or a...
Natural Soothing Solutions BANISH Dry Skin
You’re in good company if your skin feels tight, itchy, or flaky as the season changes. Millions battle dry skin daily, and it’s more than just a cosmetic nuisance. Dry skin can cause discomfort, disrupt sleep, and even increase your risk of infections. But before you reach for that tube of chemical-laden lotion, consider this:...
Is Your Eyesight Putting You at Risk of Alzheimer's?
You know the drill when it comes to maintaining your brain health. Diet, exercise, and keeping your mind active are key components. However, that’s just the start. New research reveals a crucial step to protecting cognitive function and dodging the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s that could be right in front of our very eyes…...
Is A Home Blood Pressure Cuff Worth the Money?
We all know that keeping blood pressure under control is crucial for heart health. If you’re like most people, you get yours checked every year at your annual physical. But should it be looked at MORE often? And is a home blood pressure cuff worth the investment? Keep reading to find out… I’ll get right...
Is Aspirin Really a Colon Cancer Fix? (Not So Fast!)
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Scientists discover a pill that might help prevent a serious disease. Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast. The latest “miracle cure” making headlines is none other than good old aspirin, which researchers now claim might help reduce colorectal cancer risk in people with unhealthy lifestyles. But...
Mailbag: Diarrhea Remedies That Really Work
“I have had diarrhea for 6 months. I’m going crazy and don’t know how to stop it! Please help!” – Can’t Stop Running Dear Can’t Stop, Few things disrupt life like battling a bout of diarrhea. Diarrhea is typically defined as having three or more loose, watery stools daily. If you experience this for over...
Take the SHORTER Path to Dramatically Better Health
Are you tired of fitness gurus preaching the virtues of 5 AM workouts and pushing Olympic-level training regimens? Their narrative can feel exhausting and entirely unattainable. But before you toss in the towel completely, I’ve got news that might just put a spring back into your step. A groundbreaking new study reveals that the key...
Unexpected Perks of Your Coffee Habit Revealed!
We all know that the first cup of coffee in the morning can FEEL like a lifesaver. But what if it might actually BE saving your life? A groundbreaking new study suggests that your daily coffee habit could be protecting you from not just one but multiple chronic diseases. Let’s pour over this fascinating research…...
The TRUTH About Diabetes Drugs and Brain Aging
You’ve probably seen the gushing headlines… Most say something like, “Common diabetes drug protects the brain against aging!” And let’s face it, that sounds fantastic. After all, who doesn’t want to keep their brain young and in tip-top shape? The headlines refer to the results of a new study that suggests the widely prescribed type...