Salt Health in the US
A recent study has highlighted the alarming state of salt health in the United States, where most Americans consume more than double the amount of their daily recommended level of sodium.
The study, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows two thirds of adults are in "salt sensitive" population groups who should consume no more than 1500 milligrams per day of sodium. However, during 2005-2006, research has shown the estimated average intake of sodium for persons in the US aged two years and above was a staggering 3436mg per day.
According to Time Magazine, salt consumption in the US has increased by 50% over the past four decades1.
The aforementioned salt sensitive population groups include "individuals with hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure), blacks, and middle aged and older adults", according to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
Such figures are worrying since a diet high in sodium increases the risk of having higher blood pressure, a major cause for heart disease and stroke. Across the United States, 16 million people have heart disease and between 5-8 million are estimated to have had a stroke, the first and third leading causes of death in the US respectively.
CAUSES
The USDA outlines the common sources of sodium. An alarming 75% is derived from the salt added by manufacturers. The remaining 25% comes from the natural salt content of foods and from adding salt during cooking and at the table.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The USDA states adults should consume less than 2300mg (approximately 1 tablespoon) of sodium per day. This recommendation falls to 1500mg for those in the ‘salt sensitive' population.
Since so much salt is hidden in processed foods, consumers should always read the label to compare sodium contents. They should also choose food likes fresh fruit and vegetables and, when eating out, as for their food to be prepared without adding salt, since restaurant foods can also have high levels of salt.
"People need to know their recommended daily sodium limit and take action to reduce their sodium intake," says Darwin R Labarthe, director of the CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. "Reducing sodium intake can prevent or delay increases in blood pressure for everyone."
The USDA also highlights another dietary measure to lower blood pressure: consume a diet rich in potassium. It can blunt the effects of salt on blood pressure and so reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and possibly decrease bone loss with age.
LoSalt Solution
For those consumers, American or otherwise, looking to reduce their sodium intake and increase their potassium, LoSalt offers a possible solution, with 66% less sodium than regular salts, and being two thirds composed of potassium.
For more information on the guidelines, go to http://www.health.gov/DietaryGuidelines
For full CDC Article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090326.htm
1 Brief history: Salt in US Food, (Fitzpatrick, 2010), Time Magazine
Written: 7th October 2010
