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A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers reveals that most Americans consume too much salt exposing themselves to an increased risk for heart disease. Sixty-nine percent of American adults (meaning almost 145 million) proved to be salt-sensitive, meaning they have an increased risk for heart disease and strokes, according to the report.
The recommended daily intake of salt is no more than 2,300 milligrams a day in health adults – about one teaspoon, according to current dietary guidelines.
People with hypertension however should consume only 1,500 milligrams of salt per day. Instead, Dr. Darwin Labarthe, director of the CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, said only about 1 in 10 people in the sensitive group is actually consuming the recommended amount. American residents currently consume about 9 to 12 grams of salt per day, or 3,600 to 4,800 milligrams of sodium.
“It's important for people to eat less salt. People who adopt a heart healthy eating pattern that includes a diet low in sodium and rich in potassium and calcium can improve their blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake can prevent or delay increases in blood pressure for everyone. People need to know their recommended daily sodium limit and take action to reduce sodium intake,” Dr. Labarthe said.
The benefits of reducing the levels of salt that we eat would be very high, especially for African-Americans, who are more exposed to high blood pressure especially through high salt levels.
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