Low Salt Intake Greatly Increases Risk of Death

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Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about health that has thrived for the last several decades is that salt is bad for health, primarily because it can cause a big rise in blood pressure. Not only is this “fact” about salt completely untrue, if advice to avoid salt is heeded, it could lead to serious health problems, including death.

Like other essential minerals such as magnesium, iodine, and zinc sodium is an essential nutrient and without it we would die. Low sodium in the body can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, which can cause heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.

For some unknown reason, doctors and dieticians have been advocating a low salt diet for a very long time. Salt is a necessary nutrient for healthy blood pressure, heart health, shuttling of nutrients throughout the body, and even for healthy skin. Of course, we’re not talking about regular table salt here, which has been stripped of most of its nutrition. This white, refined salt should be avoided.

As a kid, this refined, filled with additives, salt is what was on our kitchen table. I didn’t like it; I think I inherently knew that this kind of salt was not ideal. Looking back, my mom would get so mad when my dad would sprinkle more on his food; she believed that salt was really bad for health. She was only partly right, since eating the right salt is imperative for health. Instead go for a high quality sea salt like this one that I use: http://bit.ly/1r6vTUk. Of course, sea salt did exist back then (the 70’s and 80’s) but I don’t think most people knew about it, we sure didn’t.

For starters, salt restriction does not lead to lower blood pressure. A study conducted in Glasgow in 2003 showed that eliminating salt from the diet had practically no impact on blood pressure levels.

And, in addition to having zero impact on blood pressure, adequate salt consumption has been shown to significantly improve insulin function.

Another study, conducted in Belgium by Dr. Jan Staessen found that in the years since the study started that there have been 500% more deaths in the group of people who consumed the least amount of salt. The study involved 3,681 people.

For those who exercise and sweat a lot, as well as during the hot months of the year, salt intake is even more important. We lose a lot of sodium through sweating so be sure to replenish salt accordingly. Another reason to have an optimal sodium level during the summer? Those with inadequate sodium levels are much more susceptible to heat stroke.

I work out a lot and so I love this product for optimizing my electrolyte and sodium levels: http://bit.ly/1jmr4Xn.

You may be wondering, how much salt you should consume daily? Well, a teaspoon or more of salt is needed daily to support an optimal sodium level and for overall health. If you’re new to consuming salt as a necessary and needed nutrient, start with a teaspoon and see how you feel. If you crave more, have more. The main point here is to not restrict salt consumption.

Something I learned from one of my favorite anti aging experts is that the type of salt we consume is very important. It’s been found that many sea salts are so old that they are no longer “alive”. That’s right, most sea salts no longer contain any electrons. Now, when an old salt is consumed, minerals in the salt take up space that should be occupied by minerals that have a charge. A fix for this is to consume adequate amounts of vitamin C because it can donate electrons to minerals in the salt that are without. There is a special salt that originated in Finland that does have an electrical charge. That salt is Wright Salt: http://bit.ly/VVQQqR. In fact, this salt has been used in Finland for decades now and has reduced the cause of death significantly there.

Me? I use the Real Salt, take plenty of the sodium and electrolyte drops, both mentioned earlier, and I also take plenty of vitamin C, so I feel I am covered as far as salt intake is concerned.

Please don’t fall for the misinformation that salt intake is dangerous. Get the right salt, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle it on in whatever amount feels right to you. Just remember: reduced salt intake does not reduce blood pressure, blood pressure does not cause heart attacks, and if you choose to restrict salt from your diet, you have a much higher risk of succumbing to a heart attack.

 About the Author

Troy Pratt is a lifelong natural health enthusiast. After being inspired by his grandfather at the age of 12, he has gone on to study natural health and anti aging for over 3 decades. He is passionate about helping others to achieve great health and fight aging. Please visit him at http://www.antiaginghero.com.

 

 

 

 

Troy Pratt
Hi everyone! I have been studying natural health and anti aging since I was a teenager. I keep an open mind and love trying new supplements, super foods, and natural anti aging techniques. I live in Colorado and enjoy spending time outdoors with my Boston Terriers. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions at [email protected].