Cutting Back on Salt

Key Findings on Cutting Back on Salt

The latest research offers startling revelations on the dangers of too
much salt -- and reveals the remarkable benefits of cutting back.

Here's a discussion of recent high blood pressure research -- from the
editors of the Health After 50 newsletter..

One major study estimated that if we all lowered our salt consumption
by about 30 percent daily we could save up to 92,000 lives annually.

This strategy would also prevent 120,000 new cases of coronary heart
disease each year.

Most consume between 3,400 and 4,000 milligrams (mg) of
sodium each day, far above the recommended daily allowance of 1,500 mg
for all adults over 40.

Another key finding: While cutting salt and following other lifestyle
measures, including exercise and weight loss, can help lower your
blood pressure, research increasingly shows that simply lowering your
blood pressure might not be enough to prevent a stroke. The ups and
downs of your blood pressure also may be important.

One analysis of more than one million blood pressure measurements
revealed that people whose blood pressure varied the most from one
reading to the next were up to six times more likely to suffer a
stroke than those with more stable blood pressure.

Participants whose average blood pressure was high but stable were
actually less likely to have a stroke than people with lower but
highly variable blood pressure.

Since the dangers of blood pressure variability are just now coming
into focus, there is no consensus on how much variability poses a
stroke risk. There also are no medicines specifically designed to help
stabilize blood pressure.

What this means for you: If you suspect your sodium consumption is
higher than it should be, start taking a few smart steps. Check labels
and choose foods with less than 150 mg of sodium per serving. Also,
rinse canned foods prior to preparing them, and choose fresh foods
whenever possible. When you dine out, ask about low-salt options.

Hypertension & Stroke
High blood pressure, or hypertension, gives few warning signs before
it erupts with major complications, such as a stroke. Fortunately, in
most cases the condition can be easily detected during a regular
check-up and can usually be controlled with a combination of diet,
exercise, and medication.

While heart attack remains the leading cause of death
Johns Hopkins specialists have identified a number of steps that can
dramatically lower your risk. The Heart Attack Prevention
contains potentially lifesaving strategies for the millions of people
with high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), weight
control issues, a sedentary lifestyle, and other known risk factors
for heart attack.

CUTTING BACK ON SALT,AVOIDING JUNK FOOD,AVOIDING EXCESS SWEET AND SUGAR
CONSUMPTION,GOING FOR LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS, PERIODICAL FOLLOWUPS,WATCHING
YOUR DIET,EXERCISING DAILY,AVOIDING OBESITY, COPING STRESS WELL,SHUNNING
SEDENTARY HABITS,STOPPING SMOKING AND DRINKING

A WATCH ON ALL THESE, ON A REGULAR DAILY BASIS, HELPS YOU TO A LEAD AN
ALMOST DISEASE FREE QUALITY LIFE, GIVES YOU LONGEVITY OR INCREASES YOU
LIFESPAN.

CONSTANT AWARENESS AND MODERATION IS THE KEY