Posted on 02/26/2023 3:02:19 PM PST by ConservativeMind
For people with heart failure, restricting dietary sodium intake to levels below the standard recommended maximum of about 2.3 grams per day does not bring additional benefits and may increase the risk of death, according to findings from nine randomized controlled trials in a new meta-analysis.
Heart failure, in which the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively, is a chronic condition affecting over 6 million adults in the U.S. Physicians recommend a low-sodium diet to reduce blood pressure and avoid common symptoms such as fluid buildup and swelling. However, previous studies have reported mixed results regarding the optimal maximum daily sodium intake for people with heart failure.
"Our findings showed that restricting dietary sodium to less than the usual recommendation was counterproductive in the management of heart failure," said Anirudh Palicherla, MD.
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends that most adults limit dietary sodium intake to 2.3 grams per day or less, equivalent to about one teaspoon of table salt. The average American consumes over 3.4 grams of sodium per day.
Analyzing outcomes across all studies, researchers found that patients following a diet with a sodium intake target below 2.5 grams per day were 80% more likely to die than those following a diet with a target of 2.5 grams per day or more. The sodium limits varied from about 1.2-1.8 grams per day in the more restrictive study arms. The analysis did not show a trend toward increased hospitalizations among patients following more restrictive diets.
"Limiting sodium is still the way to go to help manage heart failure, but the amount of restriction has been up for debate," Palicherla said. "This study shows that the focus should be on establishing a safe level of sodium consumption instead of overly restricting sodium."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
I’m a very recent heart failure patient and am limiting sodium. So I’ll take a look at how much sodium I need. These reports always have to be adjusted to my size, weigh 116, don’t need as much as some big guy. Would be great to get off disgusting expensive “no salt” chips. I haven’t used my salt shaker in years, not sure where it is. But love my potato chips and “nut thin” crackers.
Thanks, I just emailed this to my wife, the retired RN!
She is an incredible home chef.
However, for 62 years +, I often add freshly ground sea salt to her excellent meals.
She seldom gives me that look.
If you want to eat foods with salt, you need it.
bkmk
Sodium is a metal, required for the electrical functions of the heart.
Thanks doc. You’ve made my day:)
Caffeine is an issue too. Hospital served decaf. I asked head cardiologist when I left whether two cups of half-caf, which I always drink, is OK and he said yes, that’s equal to one cup of coffee. Great MDs in my city.
The real deal with heart failure is EXERCISE. Joined a new gym with terrific equipment and am back on the treadmill. I have a neighbor who thinks it’s fun to get up at 5 a.m. and walk 4 miles on snowy streets. She’s 89 and moves like a teenager. You should see those legs, thin and enormously strong. Her heart is strong but she’s going blind with condition that can’t be fixed. Something always gets us in the end. Stay prayed up.
Yep, love the visual.
WHAT KIND of Sodium? Himalayan salt has lots if valuable minerals in it.
Damned if you do damned if you don’t.
I told that too much sodium ( greater than 2300 mg/day ) is bad for people with high blood pressure which could lead to strokes. So, which to believe no?
you either die of a stroke or heart failure....
Maintain a steady and daily routine of salt, lime and a shot of tequila. You can switch it to lime, salt and tequila to make it less monotonous. Do it for your heart.
I told that too much sodium ( greater than 2300 mg/day ) is bad for people with high blood pressure which could lead to strokes.
- - - - - - -
What was the argument to reach that conclusion?
Dr Brownstein
in his book Salt Your Way to Health
in youtube interviews
reviews the argument and evaluates it
Reducing sodium literally is a physical preventative. Your body needs the sodium, but worse is the fallout from high blood pressure.
There are proven ways to reduce hard and soft plaques lining our arteries, and even diet can help a lot, there.
Look up the Dr. Dean Ornish diet and I've posted ways to reduce calcium and soft plaques, in past threads.
LOL!!! I like that plan🤪
Just use potassium as a salt substitute.
I suggest increasing consumption of foods with potassium and continuing consuming salt.
Remember the old joke:
“I’d rather be killed by a jealous husband.” Or in my case, a jealous wife.
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