High Blood Pressure Risk & Salt, Sodium Intake Linked, Scientists Discover

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Before treating yourself to your favorite guilty pleasure or comfort food after a long day at work, consider this: How much salt is in it? Recently, a new study reaffirmed Dr. Walter's Kempner's discovery that a salt-regulated diet may be used to treat people who have hypertension.

The study done by researchers from the Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences in Nagoya, Japan revealed that checking one's blood pressure is a good way to check for immoderate sodium consumption, according to the Medical Daily.

Study lead author and assistant professor in the Department of Cardio-Renal Medicine and Hypertension at Nagoya City University Dr. Tomonori Sugiura said in a press release: "In our study, it did not matter whether their sodium levels were high at the beginning of the study or if they were low to begin with, then gradually increased over the years—both groups were at greater risk of developing high blood pressure."

The study involved over 4,000 people from Japan who had normal blood pressure at the beginning of the study. Each were routinely checked for blood pressure readings and follow-up urine analyses for around three years. The amount of sodium in the urine analyses helped researchers determine the participants' salt consumption.

Study results showed that 23% of participants developed high blood pressure, and those who consumed the most salt were at high risk for high blood pressure. Despite having Japanese participants for the study, the authors believe that these results may easily apply to Americans as well.

"Americans consume an average of nearly 3,500 milligrams of sodium a day, which is about 1,000 milligrams more than any public health group recommends," Sugiura said. "Reducing sodium intake can save lives, save money and improve heart health—no matter what background or nationality a person is."

A report released by World Action on Salt and Health (WASH) in 2014 showed that salt levels in several international retailers vary from country to country. According to the Mirror, WASH chairman Professor Graham MacGregor said: "Reducing salt is the most cost-effective measure that we know to reduce the number of people suffering and dying from strokes, heart attacks and heart failure."

Consumers have also been warned by the American Heart Association against the "Salty Six"—the saltiest foods in the market, including breads and rolls, cold cuts and cured meats, pizza, poultry, canned soup (which contains 940 mg of the daily recommended intake), and sandwiches from fast food restaurants. The AHA recommends a maximum of 1,500 mg of salt per day, and no more than that.

To check for salt content, make sure to read the label of packaged goods. If you're looking for healthier options, go for nonprocessed foods to avoid added salt contents.