Can salt substitutes reduce your high blood pressure by 40 per cent? Understanding who needs it, who doesn’t
Can salt substitutes help in controlling hypertension? A recent study, conducted by Chinese scientists, found that replacing table salt with a salt substitute reduced the incidence of hypertension (high blood pressure) by 40 per cent without increasing hypotension (low blood pressure) episodes.
The salt substitute contained 25 per cent potassium chloride — which doesn’t raise blood pressure — and 12 per cent dried food flavourings such as mushroom, lemon, seaweed, hawthorn, and wild jujube, as well as traces of amino acids.
Explaining the findings, Dr Vanita Arora, senior consultant, cardiac electrophysiologist and interventional cardiologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, says while salt substitutes can reduce dietary sodium from sodium chloride-based table salt, they too need to be used moderately.
What are salt substitutes and how do they differ from normal table salt?
Salt substitutes are seasoning products used to replace regular salt. The most common flavour substitute is potassium chloride though some brands use potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate or potassium lactate instead. Sodium increases blood volume and blood pressure while potassium helps to lower and regulate blood pressure. So it neutralises or counteracts the hypertensive effects of sodium. Some new types of salt substitutes are being developed using ingredients like herbs, spices, garlic and citrus fruits.
Can salt substitutes become effective in controlling hypertension? Are there any risk factors?
Yes. Studies show that decreasing sodium intake while simultaneously raising potassium intake can effectively lower elevated blood pressure, especially for those sensitive to salt.
But they may not work on those who are suffering from kidney disorders or taking specific medications as excessive potassium can be dangerous for them. Besides, salt substitutes should be just one piece of a comprehensive high blood pressure management plan that should equally focus on lifestyle changes like exercise, weight loss and having a balanced diet. Effects differ from individual to individual, so it is important to consult a physician before including salt substitutes.
Who can have salt substitutes? Who should not?
About 75 per cent of sodium-sensitive individuals with high blood pressure are over the age of 55. Those over 50 years with a family history of high blood pressure can have salt substitutes to lower chances of developing hypertension. Older adults (65+years) can use them to prevent cardiovascular conditions.
The use of salt substitutes is generally not necessary or even recommended for healthy children and adolescents as they require sodium for growth and development. People with normal blood pressure don’t need to opt for substitutes. According to public health guidelines, the WHO-recommended sodium intake for a healthy adult is around 2000 mg per day, which can reasonably come from use of common salt equivalent to 5 g/day or just under a teaspoon.
Source: The Indian Express
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