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Hypertension and salt intake
Since I suffer from hypertension, everyone is always telling me I must cut down on salt. What nobody can tell me is how much I actually need? I am 65, fit and active. Do you know?
Salt is needed to maintain the body’s fluid levels, good muscle function and the proper acidity of the blood and while you need just 500mg (or the equivalent) each day to stay healthy, most adults eat five times more salt than they actually need. Too much salt gets stored in the body’s tissues and can lead to an increased risk of related conditions such as the high blood pressure you now suffer - which is why, if anything, you should thank your friends for nagging you.
Healthstores now sell lots of clever seasoning alternatives to salt and among the best are those made from seaweed. This tasty substitute not only reduces the risk of high blood pressure, it also works to help keep your digestion healthy and will even enhance the body’s absorption of other important nutrients in the meal.
Another good alternative if you cannot give up salt altogether is Herbamare Spicy, which is made from fresh herbs and vegetables, blended with sea salt so you still get the flavour you crave but bolstered with healthier ingredients. This is an organic supplement, free from the flavouring agent, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), and is part of the excellent Bioforce herbal range, which is now widely available. For local suppliers, call 01294-277344.
*To manage your hypertension, investigate using hawthorn supplements from the same Bioforce range.