Studies Advise: Reduce Salt Intake, Increase Potassium Intake, For Better Health

More new studies link improved health globally – and reduced health care costs – to lowering sodium intake. One study says the most benefit would come from decreasing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake. Researchers analyzed data on potassium intake and health from 33 trials involving over 128,000 healthy participants. Increased potassium intake reduced blood pressure with no adverse effects on blood lipids, hormone levels or kidney function. Another study analyzing 34 clinical trials involving 3,000 adults found that reducing salt moderately for at least four weeks led to declines in blood pressure in hypertensive patients, regardless of race or sex.