Recently, the claim that “low-sodium salt is deadly” has spread rapidly on WeChat Moments and the internet, sparking widespread public concern and discussion. Upon seeing such messages, many people, out of worry for their health, have forwarded them and warned those around them.
However, as a medical professional and someone who has studied nutrition and food safety, I believe it is crucial to clarify the truth behind this issue.
The Misconception About Low-Sodium Salt
The popularity of this rumor seems to stem from a misunderstanding among some medical professionals, especially nephrologists, about the safety of low-sodium, high-potassium salt.
They may have emphasized caution in using this type of salt due to the potential risk of hyperkalemia in patients with renal insufficiency or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics. However, this specific advice has been generalized and distorted in social media, leading to unnecessary panic among the general public.
The Benefits of Potassium
Firstly, let’s talk about the benefits of potassium. Increasing potassium intake helps excrete sodium from the body, effectively reducing the risk of hypertension and directly protecting cardiovascular health. Furthermore, potassium can also reverse damage caused by high-salt diets, such as proteinuria and renal failure. Given that “low-sodium, high-potassium salt” can prevent hypertension and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, while tasting similar to traditional salt, it is a win-win solution. Therefore, developed countries are actively promoting the use of potassium-containing salt.
The National High Blood Pressure Education Program in the United States has even launched a dietary guide for lowering blood pressure, advocating for an “addition instead of subtraction” approach, which involves increasing the intake of substances such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium to help control blood pressure.
The Recommended Potassium Intake
Our daily diet is generally low in potassium. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends that sodium intake should not exceed 5 grams per day, while potassium intake should not be less than 4.7 grams, encouraging an appropriate increase in potassium intake.
The standard for edible salt according to GB 2721-2015 Food Safety National Standard specifies that low-sodium, high-potassium salt contains 10-35% potassium chloride per 100 grams.
The Role of the Kidneys in Potassium Regulation
Regarding the concern about hyperkalemia, it is important to understand that the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood potassium levels. One of the primary functions of the kidneys is to “retain sodium and excrete potassium.” The kidney’s regulatory mechanism ensures that when potassium intake is insufficient, it reduces potassium excretion, and when intake is excessive, it excretes the excess potassium.
The normal blood potassium concentration in the human body is 3.5-5.5 mmol/L, which is essential for maintaining cardiovascular function. Both excessively high or low blood potassium levels can harm human health and even be life-threatening.
Sources and Excretion of Potassium
Potassium in the human body mainly comes from food, with the highest concentrations found in green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and various fungi and algae. Excess potassium in the body is mainly excreted through the kidneys, intestines, and sweat. Therefore, for individuals with normal renal function, the risk of hyperkalemia is minimal. The reason why nephrologists emphasize caution is that their patients often have kidney issues.
Who Should Be Cautious About Low-Sodium Salt?
Of course, low-sodium, high-potassium salt is not a panacea, and there are restrictions on its use. For individuals with renal insufficiency or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics, caution is advised as prolonged use may lead to hyperkalemia, endangering health.
However, just like any medication, low-sodium salt has its scope of application and potential side effects. The restriction applies only to a very small population. By controlling the indications, the occurrence of hyperkalemia can be avoided. Additionally, since low-sodium salt still contains sodium, it is important not to exceed the recommended daily intake of sodium.
The Responsibility of Medical Workers
The rumors circulating on social media often present definitive “initiatives,” whether they originate from nephrologists or are marketed under the guise of doctors’ words. Every medical professional should exercise caution and self-reflection rather than forwarding such information without thinking.
Advocating for caution in using low-sodium salt among patients with renal insufficiency is a serious academic discussion. We should focus our efforts on resisting truly dangerous information. Unreliable and irresponsible information not only misleads people’s health beliefs but also causes unnecessary panic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, low-sodium salt is not a deadly choice but a healthy option for most people. It offers numerous health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. While caution is advised for specific populations, such as those with renal insufficiency, the general public can safely consume low-sodium salt within recommended limits.
Medical professionals and the media have a responsibility to disseminate accurate information and help the public make informed decisions about their health. By clarifying the misconceptions and highlighting the benefits of low-sodium salt, we can contribute to a healthier society.
