Can swapping salt save lives?
Effect of Salt Substitution on Cardiovascular Events and Death.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The salt substitute reduced death rates by 12% without increasing hyperkalemia, despite adding potassium chloride.
Many assume extra potassium is risky for older adults, especially those with hypertension or kidney issues—this study directly contradicts that fear with large-scale data.
Practical Takeaways
If you're over 60 and have high blood pressure or a history of stroke, consider switching to a potassium-enriched salt substitute (75% NaCl, 25% KCl) in home cooking.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The salt substitute reduced death rates by 12% without increasing hyperkalemia, despite adding potassium chloride.
Many assume extra potassium is risky for older adults, especially those with hypertension or kidney issues—this study directly contradicts that fear with large-scale data.
Practical Takeaways
If you're over 60 and have high blood pressure or a history of stroke, consider switching to a potassium-enriched salt substitute (75% NaCl, 25% KCl) in home cooking.
Publication
Journal
The New England journal of medicine
Year
2021
Authors
B. Neal, Yangfeng Wu, Xiangxian Feng, Ruijuan Zhang, Yuhong Zhang, Jingpu Shi, Jianxin Zhang, M. Tian, Liping Huang, Zhifang Li, Yan Yu, Yi Zhao, Bo Zhou, Jixin Sun, Yishu Liu, Xuejun Yin, Z. Hao, Jie Yu, Ka-Chun Li, Xinyi Zhang, Peifen Duan, Faxuan Wang, B. Ma, Weiwei Shi, G. D. Di Tanna, S. Stepien, Sana Shan, Sallie-Anne Pearson, Nicole Li, Lijing L. Yan, D. Labarthe, P. Elliott
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Claims (6)
If you swap out regular table salt for a special salt that has less sodium and more potassium, it might help you have fewer strokes, heart problems, and even live longer — plus it could gently lower your blood pressure.
Eating more potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach can help lower your blood pressure and make it less likely you'll have a stroke or heart problem—especially if you're eating a lot of salty foods.
If you're over 60 and have had a stroke or high blood pressure, switching to a special salt that has less sodium and more potassium might help lower your chances of having another heart attack or stroke.
For older adults who’ve had a stroke or high blood pressure, switching to a special salt that has less sodium and more potassium doesn’t raise the risk of dangerous potassium levels in the blood.
If you're over 60 and have had a stroke or high blood pressure, switching to a special salt that has less sodium and more potassium might help you have fewer strokes.