According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a leading neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, a low-salt diet may be harmful to healthy individuals, potentially leading to issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, and even an increased risk of death. In a post on X, Dr. Kumar addressed the common belief that salt is unhealthy, noting that many doctors recommend reducing salt intake to lower the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises a daily sodium intake of less than 2000 mg, which is equivalent to less than 5 grams of salt (just under a teaspoon) for adults.
Dr. Kumar explained that healthy individuals on a salt-restricted diet might face an increased risk of insulin resistance, which can contribute to diabetes. He also pointed out that limiting salt intake could raise levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. Sodium is essential for the proper functioning of the brain, nerves, and muscles, and insufficient intake can lead to symptoms like weakness, fatigue, dizziness, seizures, coma, and even death in severe cases.
However, an excessive salt intake can raise blood pressure in individuals with salt-sensitive hypertension. Dr. Kumar mentioned that about 50% of people with hypertension are salt-sensitive and should limit their sodium intake to 2300 mg/day (about 5.8 grams of salt). Additionally, 25% of the general population is also salt-sensitive, with women, the elderly, the obese, and those with chronic kidney disease being particularly at risk. For these groups, a high-salt diet can increase the risk of hypertension.
Dr. Kumar recommended that healthy individuals with normal kidney function should maintain a regular salt intake, while those on a salt-restricted diet should be mindful of the signs of hyponatremia (low sodium).
