A Little More Salt Won't Hurt You, New Study Says

Despite health warnings, new findings actually suggest that adding a little more salt to your diet isn't so bad, after all. A team of health experts have discovered that salt intake is not necessarily linked to increased mortality, heart failure or even cardiovascular disease. 

As it stands, the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium consumption to a mere 1,500 mg/day (about a teaspoon). Previous studies have linked salt to increased blood pressure and even certain health issues, including stroke, heart failure, stomach cancer, osteoporosis and kidney disease.

For the most recent study, researchers examined 2,642 adults from the ages of 71 to 80, using self-reported estimates of sodium intake. They analyzed 10-year follow-up data and looked at a link between the amount of salt subjects ate and the mortality, cardiovascular disease and heart failure rates.

Findings revealed that salt intake was not associated with mortality or the development of heart issues, even when subjects consumed closed to double the recommended amount.

It's recommended that adults over 50 consume 1,500mg/day or less of salt. However, this can be difficult when mixed with life-long dietary habits.

The study results showed no links to increased mortality rates and salt consumption. However, more research is needed to determine what effect lack of sodium restriction has on older adults and then potentially the general population.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via JAMA Internal Medicine.

For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).