Too Little Salt?

Prosciutto. "Cape Cod" Vinegar Potato Chips. Soft, "Philly-style," pretzels. Beef Jerky. All guilty pleasures for me, that I enjoy in great moderation, due, in part, to their high salt content. Most research backs up my hesitation, although a new study says the amount of sodium most people consume is okay for heart health, and too little may be as harmful as too much. Runners and heavy exercisers do lose quite a bit of salt during their workouts, which is often replenished by energy-type drinks that mix varying amounts of salt, sugar, and potassium to rehydrate the body. I've always read that the average American gets more than enough salt in their everyday diets without ever having to use a salt shaker. If you think of all the processed foods we have in our diets, that statement must be true. The study that said to look at all salt as part of your overall diet, rather than a single element that needs to be reduced, was published in the August 14th edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. Highlights were published in many newspapers. It was conducted by McMaster's University Population Health Research Institute. The University is located in Canada, and observed 100,000 people in 17 countries from the general population (not just people in high-risk categories.) Ironically, Americans were not included in the study. China had the largest percent of participants (42%). About 40% of the total population studied had high blood pressure. It found that people who consume 3 to 6 grams of sodium a day (about 8 to 15 grams of salt) had the lowest risk of heart problems or death from any cause in the course of the four-year study. More or less sodium raised the risk. Americans average about four grams a day. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1.5 grams. People who had consumed a large amount of potassium (found in bananas, nuts, salmon, and leafy greens, amongst other sources) seemed to have a counter-balancing effect that offset the sodium. One of the researchers noted, aptly, that it's easier for people to add something that is healthy than to take away a staple like salt. Other scientists and nutritionists feel that, essentially, the higher the salt intake, the greater risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Simply, the less salt, the less potential problems. I feel balance is the key. If you have a heavily salted meal or snack, counter-balance that with a lot of water to flush it through your system. Your next meal should be low in salt content, to even out the day. Exercise really helps get rid of bad things in your body, too, and keeps the blood pressure regulated. Tuna with mayo on a toasted bagel, with a slice of tomato, and a handful of chips on the side? Delicious! Just drink a ton of water with it, and go out for an eight-mile run later in the day!