Reducing Salt Intake for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease - True or Not?
FDA and American Heart Association recommendations?
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally? With millions of lives being lost each year, it's essential to explore ways to prevent this deadly condition. One solution that has been gaining attention in recent years is reducing salt intake. But does cutting back on salt truly lower your risk of developing heart disease?
I will provide you with evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your diet.
Let's uncover the science and recommendations together. This article is a little longer than usual - but hang in there, as we need to both look at the science AND what is recommended by FDA and American Heart Association!
I hope you find it as interesting as I do!
Get access to all my Articles
If you find my research and articles interesting, you’re welcome to join as a Member.
As a Member you get full access to all articles.
Access to archive.
Founding Members get a yearly FREE Course. This year it’s the
FREE Cold Water Immersion course (value 199 USD). I address some of the most common questions: The benefits, The Soeberg Protocol, and concerns that hold people back, how to overcome anxiety or uncertainties, Ryanoid Syndrome and a guide on “How to get started with CWI”.
You can read all the benefits on becoming a Member HERE.
Thermalist® - A Fundament of knowledge and actionable tools
You will change the World in the wellness space with science-backed knowledge and tools! Check out the professionals here Meet The Thermalist Instructors
We are a growing world-wide community - join our professionals.
Coaching other people in extreme environments (temperatures) requires a certain level of knowledge and tools. This is not studied on Google or by watching YOUTUBE or a sauna master throw a towel around. If you want a professional and growing business you need to invest in the right fundament.
I have almost 10 years of research and study into these specific areas. I have boiled this down to what corresponds to 2 days of work for you! If you think 2 days is a lot, just think about my 10 years. 2 days is fair and manageable.
All video content is bite-size. It’s self-paced and so easy to follow with clickable links etc. Learn more in the link below.
Understanding the Connection Between Sodium and Hypertension
I will take a closer look at the role of sodium (NaCl) in blood pressure regulation and its impact on cardiovascular health. This is an important topic that has been widely debated by researchers and medical experts.
Let's understand the physiological role of sodium in our body. Sodium helps regulate our body's extracellular volume, which is essential for maintaining blood volume, arterial pressure, and overall organ function. It is a crucial component in cellular function and is involved in various functions across different organs.
Under normal conditions, a decrease in sodium intake triggers the release of hormones such as renin and vasopressin to maintain blood volume. These hormones constrict blood vessels and limit fluid loss through the kidneys. In contrast, an increase in sodium intake leads to increased thirst, which helps restore the body's normal set point by excreting excess sodium and water through urine.
The amount of salt (sodium chloride) we consume is directly linked to our extracellular volume and controlled by kidney function. When the body retains more salt than necessary, it can result in an expansion of extracellular fluid volume and lead to a rise in blood pressure. This is known as salt sensitivity, which has been observed in individuals with genetic forms of hypertension.
Interestingly, our brain also plays a role in regulating sodium intake through complex neural pathways. However, studies have shown that the body's sodium levels are usually within a normal range in individuals with essential hypertension, indicating that other factors may contribute to the development of high blood pressure.
While it is widely accepted that individuals respond differently to changes in dietary salt intake, there is currently no practical clinical test to assess sodium sensitivity in each individual. As a result, healthcare professionals have difficulty determining the impact of sodium on an individual's blood pressure.
It is important to note that while high sodium intake is often associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, recent studies have shown that it may be the result of chronic kidney disease rather than a contributing factor. This highlights the need for further research to fully understand the link between sodium and chronic kidney disease.
Essentially, maintaining a healthy balance of sodium in our diet is crucial for our overall health, especially in terms of blood pressure regulation. Moderation is key – too little or too much sodium intake can have negative effects on our bodies. This one takes me to some of the scientific evidence that links high sodium intake to hypertension.