The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that more Americans, about half of all surveyed, are watching their sodium intake.
The CDC surveyed 180,000 people from 26 states, and found that those with high blood pressure were more likely to give up salt.
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“Excess sodium intake is a major risk factor for hypertension, and subsequently, heart disease and stroke, the first and fifth leading causes of U.S. deaths, respectively,” said research team lead, Dr. Jing Fang.
Current guidelines of salt intake for Americans are one teaspoon, or 2,300 milligrams. Those aged 51 and over – and especially those suffering other health concerns – are recommended to consume less than 1,500 milligrams.
These new findings suggest the message of lowering sodium intake is working and Americans are taking note – but it may not be as clear in different states. For example, 58 percent of respondents in North Carolina responded “yes” to lowering sodium. But in Utah only 39 percent agreed.
Researchers did note that within states where respondents had the highest blood pressure, individuals were making the biggest improvements in lowering their sodium intake.
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The CDC recommends that health care professionals need to continue to inform patients about the hazards of salt, as doctors are a trusted source for people. By reducing salt intake not only will incidences of heart disease and stroke be lowered, but the American health care system would also see a reduction in costs associated with these types of illnesses.
The study was published in the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, on July 3 2015.
Sources:
http://consumer.healthday.com/cardiovascular-health-information-20/heart-stroke-related-stroke-353/many-americans-trying-to-cut-their-salt-intake-cdc-701002.html
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
