Research: One Diet Swap Can Reduce BP and Heart Attacks

The global shift from regular to iodized salt significantly changes our salt consumption habits. It resulted in worldwide health gains, including goiter prevention in women and children’s physical growth and brain development improvement.

However, despite years of consistent advice, efforts to reduce salt consumption haven’t been successful. It consistently increases the risk of developing conditions such as hypertension or high blood pressure, among other health issues.

The good news is that one recent study reveals a simple and effective solution: a potassium-enriched salt. Let’s talk about it here.

Defining Potassium-Enriched Salt

Potassium-enriched salt is also called potassium salt, mineral salt, heart salt, sodium-reduced salt, or low-sodium salt. Specifically, it’s called “potassium salt” since it’s made primarily from potassium chloride (KCl) instead of sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as regular table salt.

Both potassium-enriched salt and regular table salt are similar in taste and appearance. However, they differ in composition and health impacts. While table salt comprises sodium and chloride ions, potassium-enriched salt partially replaces sodium ions with potassium ions.

This substitution offers a dual benefit: (1) it reduces sodium intake, which is linked to higher blood pressure, and (2) it increases the intake of potassium, a mineral that helps lower blood pressure. Besides that, potassium also plays a vital role in various bodily functions. This includes regulating heart function, fluid balance, and nerve signaling.

In other words, if sodium chloride is substituted with potassium chloride, individuals can lower their sodium intake without sacrificing the salty flavor that enhances food taste. This makes salt a healthier alternative, especially for individuals with hypertension or those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Intaking Potassium-Enriched Salt with Hypertension Meds

If you’re taking medication for high blood pressure, consuming dishes seasoned with potassium-enriched salt is generally safe, but with caution. Since some blood pressure medications can increase potassium levels in your body, adding too much potassium through your diet could lead to hyperkalemia, a condition where a person has excessively high potassium levels.

Hence, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider before significantly changing your diet (e.g., regularly incorporating potassium-enriched salt) to ensure it aligns with your medication regimen and overall health plan. It’s also equally important to ask which medications aren’t recommended to take with hypertension medicines.

Here are Drugs and Supplements to Avoid with High Blood Pressure:

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Common pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen may diminish the effectiveness of hypertension medications and can elevate blood pressure.

2. Decongestants – Ingredients such as pseudoephedrine, found in many cold and allergy medications, can increase blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels.

3. Certain Antidepressants – Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may have the potential to raise blood pressure.

4. Stimulants – Medications prescribed for ADHD, certain weight loss drugs, and recreational drugs can increase blood pressure and heart rate.

5. Herbal Supplements – Herbs like licorice, ginseng, and ephedra (ma huang) have been reported to increase blood pressure or interact negatively with hypertension medications.

6. Calcium and Iron Supplements – These can interfere with the absorption of certain blood pressure medications if taken simultaneously. It’s often advised to space the ingestion of these supplements and your medication apart.

7. Vitamin D – While generally safe, excessive Vitamin D supplements can cause an increase in calcium levels, potentially affecting blood pressure. Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing.

8. Potassium Supplements – While potassium can help manage blood pressure, too much potassium can be harmful, especially if you’re on certain medications like ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics that already increase potassium levels.

9. Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice – Grapefruit can interact with several medications, including drugs used to treat high blood pressure, altering how these medications are absorbed and metabolized.

10. John’s Wort – This supplement can interact with many medications, including those for blood pressure, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

Scientific Evidence

Recent research presents compelling evidence about using potassium-enriched salt from a randomized trial involving 20,995 individuals. They either had a prior history of stroke or those aged 60 and above who suffered from high blood pressure.

Its results showed that substituting regular salt with potassium-enriched salt diminishes blood pressure and decreases the likelihood of strokes, heart attacks, and premature death. This is backed by an overview of 21 additional studies indicating that a significant portion of the global population could reap health advantages from using potassium-enriched salt.

The World Health Organization’s 2023 global report on hypertension also identifies potassium-enriched salt as a “cost-effective method” for lowering blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular incidents such as strokes.

Challenges

Despite the potential health benefits, there are challenges that affect the widespread use of potassium-enriched salt. Its limited availability and higher price relative to standard salt pose considerable challenges.

Additionally, consumers lack awareness about the health dangers of excessive sodium consumption and the advantages of opting for potassium-enriched salt. This can also result in limited use.

Concerns over the risk of hyperkalemia, especially for those with severe kidney conditions, also require careful navigation and professional advice from healthcare providers. However, clinical trials have not reported significant negative outcomes, indicating that the advantages of potassium-enriched salt for the broader population can surpass the associated risks with appropriate oversight.

Final Thoughts

Potassium-enriched salt is a promising alternative to regular salt, offering potential health benefits. However, consultation with a healthcare provider is still crucial to determine whether potassium-enriched salt is a suitable choice. This is particularly true for individuals with underlying health conditions or those currently managing hypertension.