<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Before this story about salt gets out of hand, we need to look at the
whole picture.

Nutrition is an evolving science and this explains why recommendations
change from time to time.  Research takes years and sometimes decades
before we have a good handle on a food or nutrient and its
relationship to our health.  The media does often tend to
sensationalize things.  Often times only half the story is told or the
headlines are misleading.  Researchers do not change their minds on a
weekly basis as is frequently perceived by the public.

The recommendation for following a low salt diet, at least for those
of us who have no medical condition that would warrant otherwise,
still stands.  One study does not make a recommendation.  With all
recommendations, there is research pro and con.  Dietary guidelines
are based on what the majority of studies have concluded.  So, one
will always find studies to say the opposite of what is recommended.
Another thing about studies is that they must be reliable and valid.
As a health professional, this is the first thing I look at regarding
new research.

The story about salt is based on epidemiological studies from the
1970s.  I am not saying such studies are wrong, but they are not the
most accurate.  Epidemiological studies are based on surveys people
fill out from memory.  What is reported can be underestimated or
overestimated.  A more accurate study is one where many variables are
controlled.  This is often referred to as a clinical study.  Dietary
recommendations are based largely on clinical studies.

I hope no one takes this story as a reason to start increasing their
salt intake.  It is true that not everyone who has high blood pressure
is salt (sodium) sensitive.  In other words, not everyone with high
blood pressure is able to lower their blood pressure by reducing
sodium in the diet.  For others, it makes a big difference.  It is
unclear why some people respond to a lower sodium diet while others do
not.  However, high blood pressure cannot be felt.  If a person
develops high blood pressure over time, following a low sodium diet
can already be a plus.  In addition, some research has shown a link to
osteoporosis and high amounts of sodium in the diet.  This does not
mean that sodium causes osteoporosis, just like sodium does not cause
high blood pressure, but there is a correlation.

Kevin Kelly, Licensed Registered Dietitian

>      Just read a new article that I thought others might be interested
> in. A preliminary study has just been published that indicates that
> those who eat lots of salt actually live longer than those who avoid
> it...
>      Regards to all, Mary in NYC.