Reducing salt intake beneficial like BP drugs: Study

Salt Intake vs. Blood Pressure Medication: A study published in JAMA reveals that reducing salt intake can be as beneficial as commonly used first-line drugs for managing high blood pressure

Study Population and Parameters: The study involved 213 individuals aged 50 to 75, with varying blood pressure conditions, including normal blood pressure, controlled and uncontrolled hypertension

Dietary Sodium Levels: The high-sodium diet included approximately 2,200mg of added sodium daily, while the low-sodium diet included around 500mg of added sodium daily

Blood Pressure Reduction: Results show that one week of a low-sodium diet led to an average 8-mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to a high-sodium diet

Comparison with Medication: The study indicates that the blood pressure-lowering effect of a low-sodium diet was comparable to a commonly used first-line antihypertensive medication

Wide Applicability and Consistency: The reduction in blood pressure was observed in nearly 75% of individuals, regardless of hypertension status and medication use

Health Risks of High-Sodium Diet: A diet high in sodium, a component of common salt, is known to increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke