This year, the American Heart Association (AHA) has called for a reduction in salt intake, along with tougher industry regulations regarding sodium chloride levels in everyday foods.
The Association’s previous proposal, set out back in 2005, was to set a maximum daily salt intake of 2300 mg. Currently, most experts believe that this figure is too high for the average person and suggest lowering the recommended limit to 1500 mg per day.
Estimates show that most people exceed this amount by two times (about one and a half teaspoons of pure salt per day). The main part of table salt comes with semi-finished products and restaurant products. These figures are of great concern.
Side effects of excessive salt intake
High blood pressure, risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure are well-known side effects of high daily salt intake. The medical costs of treating these and other salt-related illnesses hit both public and private pockets.
Studies show that lowering your daily salt intake to the new 1500 mg could reduce stroke and cardiovascular deaths by as much as 20% and save $24 billion in healthcare spending in the US.
The hidden toxins present in sodium chloride, or common table salt, are often overlooked by even the most diligent consumers. Sea salt alternatives, the so-called natural forms of sodium, benefit, but can be sourced from contaminated sources. They often contain impure forms of iodine, as well as sodium ferrocyanide and magnesium carbonate. The latter depresses the function of the central nervous system and causes malfunctions of the heart.
Avoiding restaurant and other “convenience” foods that are a major source of sodium is the best way to avoid these dangers. Cooking at home using high quality salt is a good alternative. But at the same time, you still need to monitor the level of daily salt intake.
Alternative: Himalayan crystal salt
This salt is considered one of the purest in the world. It is harvested away from sources of contamination, processed and packaged by hand, and reaches the dining table safely.
Unlike other types of salt, Himalayan crystal salt contains 84 minerals and rare trace elements that are extremely beneficial to health.