Skipping salt in your meals could lower the risk of heart disease by almost 20%, as suggested by research presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting. A study conducted by researchers from Kyungpook National University Hospital in South Korea found that individuals who never added salt to their food had an 18% lower risk of atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by irregular heartbeat. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, stroke, and blood clots. The researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank, excluding those with pre-existing heart conditions. The study followed the participants for 11 years, and the results showed that those who switched from always salting their food to never salting it experienced an 18% reduction in risk, while those who sometimes added salt saw a 15% lower chance of developing heart issues. Even individuals who usually salted their food saw a 12% reduced risk compared to those who always used salt. It is well-known that salt has negative impacts on cardiovascular health. Salt increases water retention in the body, leading to increased blood pressure, a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Salt also causes the body to retain fluid by pulling it from tissues into the bloodstream, making the heart work harder to pump the increased fluid, further raising blood pressure. This is especially dangerous for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions. To reduce salt intake, experts recommend avoiding adding salt to meals, particularly for those with hypertension or a history of heart failure. Processed foods are also a significant source of hidden salt, so it is important to read food labels and be aware of sodium content. Additionally, some baked goods and diet drinks contain high levels of salt for flavor enhancement. It is advisable to use spices and herbs as salt substitutes to add flavor to meals without the negative health effects of excess sodium. However, caution should be exercised with salt substitutes that contain potassium, as excessive levels of potassium can also be harmful.
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