Low Salt Increases Your Risk of Heart Attacks
Salt has been a topic of discussion for many years, with some experts claiming that it is bad for the heart and can cause heart attacks and stroke. However, Dr. Eric Berg DC from YouTube's channel has presented a different viewpoint. According to him, salt is not as bad as people think, and consuming too little salt can actually increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. In this article, we will explore Dr. Berg's argument and the studies that support it.
What is the Peer Study?
Dr. Berg cites a study called the Peer Study, which is a very credible and large study involving over 137,000 people in 18 countries and 667 communities. The study aimed to determine the relationship between sodium intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Peer Study Results
The Peer Study found that if a person consumes less than three grams of sodium per day, they could be at risk of getting a heart attack and a stroke. This means that the World Health Organization's (WHO) and many other organizations' recommendations to keep salt intake in the low range between 2.0 and 2.4 grams (one teaspoon) per day could be considered a risk factor for heart attacks.
The Optimum Range of Sodium
Based on the Peer Study, the optimum range of sodium is between four and five grams (four to five teaspoons of salt) per day. Apparently, consuming this amount of salt leads to the least amount of heart attacks compared to consuming too little or too much salt.
Potassium's Protective Effect on the Heart
In addition to salt intake, the Peer Study also found that potassium is very protective on the heart. The more potassium a person consumes, the fewer heart attacks they are likely to experience. Dr. Berg has been saying this for a long time, as potassium is essential for blood pressure regulation and kidney health.
Aldosterone and Blood Pressure
When a person lowers their sodium intake, they increase a hormone called aldosterone from their adrenals. If aldosterone levels are too high, it can cause problems, especially with blood pressure and heart damage. There is even a class of high blood pressure medication that inhibits aldosterone to lower blood pressure.
Why Salt Is Important
Dr. Berg recommends using high-quality sea salt, such as Himalayan sea salt. He believes that people should not be afraid of salt, as it is an essential nutrient that the body needs. Furthermore, salt enhances the taste of food and helps with digestion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, consuming too little salt can increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. The Peer Study found that the optimum range of sodium intake is between four and five grams (four to five teaspoons of salt) per day. Potassium is also essential for heart health, and consuming more potassium can reduce the risk of heart attacks. It is crucial to use high-quality salt, such as Himalayan sea salt, and not be afraid of salt, as it is an essential nutrient that the body needs.