Sydney, Australia – A new study revealed that reducing salt intake by using salt substitutes could significantly decrease the risk of premature death due to cardiovascular disease. The research, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, highlighted the long-term benefits of salt substitutions in improving cardiovascular outcomes.
Dr. Loai Albarqouni, the study’s senior author from Bond University in Australia, emphasized the effectiveness of salt substitutes in long-term use for up to 10 years. Previous studies focused on short-term outcomes, lasting only two weeks, but this systematic review of 16 randomized controlled trials provided compelling evidence for the benefits of salt substitutions.
The study included 35,251 participants with an average age of 64 and a higher-than-average risk of cardiovascular disease, mainly from China. The findings suggested a link between salt substitutes and a reduced risk of early death, as well as improvements in sodium levels in urine and blood pressure.
Despite the positive results, applying the findings to Western populations poses challenges due to different salt consumption patterns. Dr. Andrew Freeman, a preventative cardiologist, noted the importance of reducing sodium intake and incorporating potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables for overall cardiovascular health.
The American Heart Association recommends a daily sodium limit of 1,500 milligrams for most adults, especially those with high blood pressure. Monitoring sodium intake, particularly from packaged and restaurant foods, is crucial to maintaining a healthy diet and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Experts advise checking food labels for sodium content and exploring salt substitutes or salt-free seasonings as alternatives to traditional salt in cooking. While further research is needed to confirm the safety of salt substitutions for certain individuals, the study underscores the importance of reducing salt intake for overall health.
Making the switch to lower-sodium foods may initially seem challenging, but tastebuds can adapt within a few weeks. Alongside dietary changes, lifestyle modifications like quitting smoking and increasing physical activity are essential for reducing cardiovascular risk. Salt substitutes offer a valuable addition to the toolkit for promoting heart health, complementing other strategies for a comprehensive approach to prevention.