There's some evidence to suggest taking molybdenum supplements might cause joint pain. What does the Department of Health and Social Care advise? Fortunately, reducing your salt intake might lower your blood pressure level, especially in people with a medical condition called salt-sensitive hypertension ( 11). It’s speculated that high salt intakes may increase the growth of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) in your stomach. H. This type of bacteria can lead to inflammation, gastric ulcers, and possibly the development of gastric cancer ( 26, 27). Studies have found that our sensitivity to salt varies from person to person – depending on factors as varied as ethnicity, age, body mass index, health and family history of hypertension. Some studies have found that those with higher salt sensitivity are more at risk of salt-associated high blood pressure.

Nevertheless, low-sodium diets are commonly prescribed as a natural treatment for all people with high blood pressure. Heart Disease My usual Central London patisserie was shut, so seeing the good-looking cakes in the window of No Salt, I decided to try. A review of 34 studies demonstrated that a modest reduction in salt intake for four or more weeks led to significant reductions in blood pressure in people with both high and normal levels ( 15). For example, a recent study in 766 people demonstrated that those with the highest urinary sodium excretion had the highest blood pressure levels ( 9). To easily identify low sodium foods, look for phrases like low sodium, very low sodium, or reduced sodium. You can also look for the amount of sodium per serving or 100 grams and compare this number with that of any products you’re considering ( 39). SummaryAs a recommended daily allowance, adults should not consume any more than 6g of salt a day. Any food containing more than 1.5g of salt per 100g is considered to be high in salt. Our body tissues are made up of vast number of cells of different shapes, sizes and functions, and all of these cells require enough salt to function properly. Salt plays a vital role in transporting water around the body, and in transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

For example, though sodium restriction is commonly used to treat heart failure, some studies have shown that reducing sodium can have a negative impact on patient health. And know that, just as you’ve acquired a taste for salt in your diet, over time you’ll be able to lose your taste for salt. One of the best ways to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet is to control what goes into your food by cooking at home. Many studies have shown that reducing salt intake may help decrease high blood pressure in people with elevated levels.

Be wary of gourmet salts and salt substitutes claiming to be better for your health than table salt – these product ranges are still likely to add some form of salt to your diet. A low salt diet can cause hyponatremia, a condition in which sodium levels in your blood are lower than normal ( 33, 34). Cinnamon – cinnamon is a natural sweetener used in cooking all around the world. Add it to sweet and savoury dishes for a richer, warmer flavour.

Taking 250mg or less a day of phosphorus supplements on top of the phosphorous you get from your diet is unlikely to cause any harm. Potassium If you eat meat, fish or nuts, you should be able to get all the selenium you need from your daily diet. What happens if I take too much selenium?

For example, a low-sodium diet is commonly prescribed to people with certain medical conditions, including heart failure, high blood pressure and kidney disease. But older people may be more at risk of harm from potassium because their kidneys may be less able to remove potassium from the blood. Cheese and dairy: Cheese, cheese spreads, cottage cheese, buttermilk, salted butter and cheese sauce. Taking high doses for a long time can reduce the amount of calcium in the body, which means bones are more likely to fracture. What does the Department of Health and Social Care advise? Sara Stanner, science director at the charity the British Nutrition Foundation, agrees that the evidence that reducing salt intake in those with hypertension lowers blood pressure and risk of heart disease is strong. And there aren’t many people are consuming levels as low as 3g, the level at which some of this research calls dangerously low.