3ac Health Tips

 

How much salt is too much?

Question: When my mother re-married, her new husband had extremely high blood pressure, which he kept under control partially through eating a salt restrictive diet. Over time, although she doesn't suffer from any of the same conditions that he does, she started to follow the same diet. But while he continues in good health, hers has been declining - her energy is low, she suffers from chronic migraines, and she often experiences hypoglycaemia and difficulties controlling her protein and sugar levels between meals. Any chance that her health problems could be related to the same low-salt diet that works so well for her husband?
 
Answer: Salt restriction is a highly controversial topic for just this reason. While many studies over the last 30 years have clearly documented the negative effect of too much salt on blood pressure levels, there are also many people who do not need such a restriction, and indeed can even be harmed by not getting enough sodium in their diet. From what you've described, this might be the partial culprit for your mother's symptoms, although only a trip to a well-informed doctor who is aware of all sides of the salt controversy will tell you for sure.
 
What is painfully obvious when you look at the nutrition labels on any trip to the supermarket is that processed foods are extremely and unnecessarily high in sodium. So the blanket warnings to cut back wouldn't hurt most of us. But when taken too far, not enough salt - particularly for normal healthy adults who do not have hypertension - can be just as dangerous.
 
Studies have linked low salt intake in healthy adults to an elevation in LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, and higher insulin levels, possibly leading to the onset of diabetes. Also, not enough salt can affect proper functioning of the adrenal glands - and weak adrenal function is one of the most missed diagnosis among middle-aged and older women.