Does Salt Raise Blood Pressure?
- Tak Poon, M.D.
Question
Does salt raise blood pressure?
Answer
In excess, yes. The numbers:
- 1 gram (1,000 mg) sodium = 2.5 gram of salt = 1 teaspoon of table salt
- Harmful = more than 5-6 grams, and probably less than 1.5 grams a day
- American Heart Association recommendation = 1.5 grams sodium a day
- Average American consumption = 3.5 grams sodium a day
- ¾ of our salt intake come from restaurants and processed food we buy
Practically: Most junk food contain lots of salt (and sugar) for the “savory-and-sweet allure” to taste.
It's not just the salt intake but the associative behaviors that can be harmful. For example: People in Japan eat more salt than Americans and yet enjoy better health and longevity. They live differently. And the 1.2 grams of sodium in an order of fast food fried chicken isn't the only thing that can hurt you.
If you have high blood pressure or the tendency for it, stay closer to the safe low end (1.5 grams/day). If you don't have high blood pressure, then stay well under the hazardous zone (5 grams or more). Avoid the extremes and enjoy in moderation. That goes for salt as well as for life in general.
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