Argentina is at the top of the salt consumption rankings and the highest risk is for processed foods

World Health Organization (WHO) and most national and international scientific societies recommends not to consume more than 5.75 grams (gr) of salt per day. However, the average consumption of Argentina is 11 grams per day (between 9.8 and 12.7 grams), which ranks it among the countries with the highest salt intake in the Americas.

Dr. Carol Kotliar, director of the High Blood Pressure Center of the Southern University Hospital, explained that "about 60% of people with high blood pressure are sensitive to salt, which which means that by ingesting sodium, they increase blood pressure ". He added: "While it is true that 4 out of 10 people can be salt-resistant and do not require significant restriction of this element, it is also true that, to identify these people, still complex diagnostic methods essential prevention and awareness. "

Each gram of salt contains 400 milligrams (mg) of sodium and 600 mg of chloride. Since the recommended salt limit is 5.75 g, it is 2,300 mg of sodium, equivalent to one tablespoon of flush tea.

Kotliar explained that "many people make an effort and manage to change their lifestyle healthily by reducing or normalizing salt intake that they add less to food than these measures." However, they persist in the risk line because, without knowing, they consume "hidden salt".

The main foods containing hidden salt are bakery products (pizzas, sweet and savory biscuits, bills, sweets, cakes). In addition to cheeses, including light ones. "We must be careful when we choose foods that impress because they are healthy or low calorie, since the reduction of carbohydrates is often replaced by the reduction of salt to perfume", added the specialist.

There is a general opinion that excessive reduction of salt intake also poses risks for some populations. Faced with this, the specialist said that "detractors of salt reduction have based their arguments on hormonal stimulation, insulin resistance and fatigue badociated with very low salt consumption". Therefore, the right measure is the closest to the recommendation between myth and science, 5 grams so that without cardiovascular disease is a balanced and safe solution. "

And if more potbadium is consumed?

Many scientists claim that the problem is not salt but potbadium. In the United States, for example, 97% of Americans have a potbadium deficiency in their diet. The daily requirement for potbadium is between 4000 and 5000 mg. "It's probably a good option to replace table salt with potbadium salt, or you can choose to add 5 servings a day of potbadium-rich foods, such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cooked spinach or other hazelnuts pistachio, avocado or salmon ", concluded the specialist.