“The Great Salt Debate”
For decades, we have been told, “Salt (sodium chloride) makes us retain excess fluid, raises our blood pressure (hypertension), burdens our heart and leads to an early death.” But, is this true? Belgium researchers measured urinary salt (sodium) levels in 3,681 individuals over an eight-year period and found that, “Those with lower salt intake over the eight year period had a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, compared to those with a high salt intake – completely the opposite to what we are told.” In short, they found that low salt intake does not prevent hypertension and it raises heart attack and stroke risk. Others, including the CDC, were quick to point out flaws with this study and suggested that it be taken “with a grain of salt.” However, this is not the first study to show a higher death risk among low salt intakers.
