There is an old proverb that says, “Without salt the feast is spoiled.” Research is recognizing this may be true. Health experts are requesting new studies be performed to explore salt restrictions on a wider scale, and to remedy recent conflicting research about strict reduction of dietary sodium intake. The goal is to develop a better picture of overall best recommendations.
Currently, organizations like the American Heart Association, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Diabetes Association recommend eating between 1,500 and 2,300 mg of sodium per day. The United States Department of Agriculture also recommends eating no more than 2,300 mg per day. The stringent lower end of this range is now in question.
The salt controversy just surfaced in 2015, with the recognition that people’s bodies vary in how they respond to salt. Rigid guidelines about low salt intake are being scrutinized. Are they necessary? The answer is personal. Notice the effects of salt on your body to determine if you can follow a more moderate dietary range. Include your doctor in your health choices. You may find that following the lower end of the sodium guidelines may be better for your health, especially if you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently asked the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine to look at the controversial salt limit findings. The review determined more research is needed to explore certain populations.
“The committee found no evidence for benefit and some evidence suggesting risk of adverse health outcomes associated with sodium intake levels in ranges approximately 1,500 to 2,300 mg a day among those with diabetes, kidney disease or cardiovascular disease,” says the IOM. “Further, the evidence on both the benefit and harm is not strong enough to indicate that these subgroups should be treated differently than the general U.S. population.”
Michael Moss noted in his 2014 bestseller, Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us, “Each year, food companies use an amount of salt that is every bit as staggering as it sounds: 5 billion pounds.” This revelation points to the importance of monitoring salt intake, since large amounts of salt are hidden in foods everywhere.
Until the research clarifies new guidelines, err on the side of caution. Follow recommendations based on your health issues and doctor’s advice. Limit your salt consumption, especially if you have high blood pressure, stroke or heart disease. Remember that our bodies require only a small amount of sodium each day to function normally, using sodium for healthy heart, nerve and cellular function.
And, be aware: “Eating too much sodium can lead to increased blood pressure, which can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions,” says the CDC. “On average, American adults exceed their recommended daily limit of sodium. Reducing your sodium intake can help lower your blood pressure and improve the health of your heart.”
