Lower Blood Pressure: Daily Salt Intake Should Not Exceed 5 Grams
Core Tip: To further reduce the incidence of hypertension and stroke, experts have proposed lowering the daily salt intake standard from the previous "within 6 grams" to "within 5 grams."
To further reduce the incidence of hypertension and stroke, experts have proposed lowering the daily salt intake standard from the previous "within 6 grams" to "within 5 grams."
The link between salt and blood pressure is well-established. In China, the daily salt intake of residents in northern regions ranges from 15 to 25 grams, which is exceptionally high, even among the highest internationally. This not only far exceeds the WHO standard but also surpasses the national guideline of 6 to 8 grams, and is closely associated with the high incidence of hypertension and stroke. Japan previously had a high incidence of stroke, but after strictly limiting salt intake to below 10 grams per day, its stroke rate significantly decreased. Against the backdrop of the WHO further lowering its standards, it is crucial to continue advocating for reduced salt consumption in daily life, such as using less salt in cooking and consuming fewer preserved foods, to gradually narrow the gap with domestic and international standards. Furthermore, preliminary research by domestic scholars has confirmed that using salt substitutes (65% sodium salt, 25% potassium salt, 10% magnesium salt) can reduce the incidence of stroke without affecting the taste of food. More importantly, in lifestyle interventions like reducing salt intake, the role of community doctors should be fully leveraged.