Observations of diverse populations all over the world has found startling evidence. The groups with the lowest risk of death and heart disease are consuming twice of what the American Heart association considers optimal. They recommend consuming 1500 mg of sodium/day or lower. They believe americans are eating too much salt (3400 mg) now. This study, however, finds that populations with the most robust health are consuming about 5000 mg per day. This is consistent what we know of physiology. Humans evolved from ancient sea creatures. Our blood is about as salty as the ocean itself. If our diet is low in sodium our kidney actually have to expend energy to prevent it from being lost into the urine. When salt is consumed in excess of that the body needs the kidneys simply release what it doesn't require into the urine in a process places no stress on the kidneys.
A recent review of the literature of the effect of salt restriction in heart failure found little evidence of benefit. This is kind of amazing given that every heart failure patient is strongly advised to cut salt. There science and the official recommendations are far apart.
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Eric Sodicoff MDMember: Obesity medince Association Archives
September 2020
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