Busting Myth 5: Salt causes high blood pressure and should be avoided

Most myths are rooted in a grain of truth. It’s true that people with salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH) should avoid salt because it raises their blood pressure.

A recent study however, suggests there is no association between salt consumption and hypertension, a condition characterized by abnormally high blood pressure.

Instead, evidence suggests high body weight, as measured by BMI, is associated with elevated blood pressure.

The Truth

Salt intake isn’t associated with high blood pressure, except for people with SSH. Still, the average North American consumes double the recommended intake of sodium. Excessive sodium may not raise blood pressure, but it is associated with other health issues.

Source: Examine.com – an independent and unbiased source on nutrition and supplements