New scientific evidence has suggested that low-salt diet may be beneficial for the heart. Eating too little salt can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases including heart attack, stroke and even death.
A global study carried out by researchers from McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences made the claim by analyzing more than 130,000 people from 49 different countries. The focus of the study was to determine whether the relationship between sodium intake and heart disease, stroke and death differs in people with high and normal blood pressure levels.
Findings of the study show that low salt intake is linked to a greater instance of heart disease, stroke and deaths compared to the average intake of salt. The findings were consistent regardless of whether people have high or normal blood pressure. The study classified low-salt intake as less than three grams of salt daily.
The findings are extremely important for people suffering high blood pressure, according to Andrew Mente, lead author of the study and associate professor of clinical epidemiology at McMaster's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Mente explains that although the study highlights the importance of reducing high salt intake, it does not support reducing salt intake to low levels.
Published in the Lancet journal, the study garnered strong public reaction as many expressed their disbelief in the results of the study. Others questioned the study's findings and have been critical of the study's methods, according to Daily Mail.
One eminent expert could not believe that such bad science was published. The prestigious medical journal was also attacked for publishing the study, according to Independent.
The study also questions the current guidelines that recommend low sodium intake to the entire population, according to Dr. Martin O'Donnell, co-author of the study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the consumption of less than 2,300 milligrams of salt every day.
The average person based in the U.S. consumes 3,400 milligrams of salt every day. A diet high in salt has long been believed to be dangerous to the heart. Aside from increasing the risk of a heart attack, it can also cause stroke.
