Author: Ivan Red Jr.
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
It has recently been reported that reducing dietary salt intake lowers blood pressure.
If we reduce our daily salt intake by 2 g, we reduce the risk of cardiovascular accidents by up to 20%, according to a study by the British University of Exeter, published in The Lancet .
Reducing salt intake in the diet lowers blood pressure.
A summary analysis shows that reducing its consumption can actually prevent stroke, heart attacks and heart failure .
The researchers reviewed several studies involving more than 6,000 people. Some of them have normal blood pressure, while others have high blood pressure.
Up to two years after participants were advised to reduce the consumption of too salty foods, scientists found a trend of reduced deaths.
There is also a decrease in blood pressure due to a decrease in sodium intake. Systolic blood pressure drops by about 1 to 4 points, the researchers said.
The recommended daily intake of salt is 5-6 g, but according to some nutritionists the body needs even less than 1 g per day to function properly.
Another, new study shows that salt is addictive , similar to cigarette and drug addiction, because it affects the same connections and cells in the brain.
The discovery makes it possible to clarify why some people find it difficult to stop eating salt, despite warnings that it raises blood pressure and damages the heart.
It is found that when it "feels" the need for salt, the brain produces proteins that normally bind to substances such as heroin, cocaine and nicotine.
Experts find that the changes in the brain caused by the thirst for salt disappear even before the already consumed spice has reached it. The need was met earlier.
They explain that the need forms an "ancient instinct" deep in the brain.