Low-Salt Diet Questioned by New Study

A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension questions whether low-salt (low-sodium) diets are valid. The study finds that while eating less salt lowers an individuals' blood pressure, it creates a negative effect on both cholesterol and triglycerides. All three of these (blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides) factor into overall heart health. The study suggests that the benefits of establishing a low salt diet are negated by the changes to cholesterol/triglyceride levels.

Specifically, the study found that eating less salt lowered blood pressure levels in individuals with hypertension by 3.5% (and 1% in normal blood pressure participants). However, cholesterol levels rose 2.5% and triglycerides rose 7%.

This is not the first study to suggest that low-salt diets are overrated. Some researchers feel that there is not enough evidence to show that lowering dietary salt intake is beneficial, while others say that we should absolutely lower our consumption of salt. Obviously, more research is needed to find a consensus on this topic.

To read more about this study, follow this link: http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/lower-sodium-raises-cholesterol.html.

If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/!