hypertension?

Question

Explain why salt is contraindicated in hypertension.

Answer 1

Salt does a few things that don't help in hypertension.
Putting it simply..

It can lead to hardening of the arteries. When this happens the blood vessels are not flexible and don't help as much in the transport of the blood so the heart has to pump harder to get the blood around....that leads to the blood pressure being higher.

Also, high salt levels cause the body to retain fluid. High levels of retained fluid also makes the heart and kidneys have to work harder, which again increases blood pressure. With fluid retention you see things like swollen ankes.

Answer 2

In a nutshell in layman's terms - salt encourages us to retain water, putting pressure on our system that exacerbates the challenges of blood pressure. Think of it: your blood vessels are constricted more by excess water...

Some recent studies have observed a more minimal impact of salt as a significant factor, but DASH and other diets tempering it have providing excellent results (perhaps due to emphasis on healthy foods, not just salt reduction).

Salt may also minimize one's potassium, and potassium (while one must be careful of amounts - it can be dangerous) is crucial to maintaining good cardio health.

Hope this helps!


ps Many salt substitutes boost potassium generously --- I recommend using a tiny bit when you cook - and I emphasize tiny and 'when you cook' as the taste is preferable in recipes rather than on them