Q: Three weeks ago, I changed my diet to reduce sodium intake. In retrospect, I probably reduced from over 30 grams to around 10 grams. How long will it take for me to see results on my blood pressure?
A: You may not see any decrease in your blood pressure by limiting your salt intake. Not everyone with high blood pressure is sensitive to salt. Salt sensitivity is difficult to measure and most of us eat too much salt. Because of this, eating less salt is routinely recommended.
(16 votes, average: 4.19 out of 5)
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10 grams is still a lot of salt.
When I was first diagnosed with High Blood Pressure I took a month and lost weight, omitted salt and cut back on alcohol. I went back 4 weeks later and had the EXACT same reading. Doc said this is genetics. I am still careful with weight, salt and alcohol but don’t worry too much about it. BP is well controlled with Diaovan.
Reduced NaCl is critical in reducing the incidence of stroke and mio-cardial infarction. Major food producers are FINALLY taking notice and SLOWLY beginning to manufacture ‘lowered’ salt content items. The general public needs this assist as a benefit to their health. Its about time ! Your time, your life.
I cannot find a good answer to explain how much salt is right? 70 and retired, BP crept up to 150-160/ so doctor put me on Norvasc, and wanted me to reduce salt. I began eating nothing but fresh fruits and veggies, skinless chicken and fish,etc-all healthy stuff. After a couple of months, leg cramps became so bad I almost fell over a couple of times, could not climb stairs, and woke with leg pains every night. I explained my diet to doctor, and he said, “Your salt is WAAAAAAY too low!” I have to eat a couple of pickles to even get close to 2000mg/day. So, how much salt is correct?
I had a discussion with a doctor who, even though he was young, has high blood pressure. It runs in his family. He said only 10% of people with high blood pressure are affected by sodium, but still we all eat too much sodium.
Has science discovered YET, what really causes high blood pressure in healthy people? I’m talking about people with great BMI, eat healthy, exercise, are proper weight and still have blood pressure above 120??
I hear ya…I’m the same way. Eat right, exercise, ideal weight and I’ve been having high readings at the doctor since my early twenties. I attribute it (in my case) to genetics and anxiety…I think Xanax would help me! LOL. I don’t take anything b/c it’s only high at the doctor, but I’m worried it’s high in all times of stress. May try an anti-anxiety first? Not sure which is safest/more effective.
Try sea salt in moderation…it’s better for you.
Kosher salt is also beneficial as it is a hollow mineral that contains less NaCl. Many enlightened chefs endorse it.
Also look at use of Calcium Chloride condiments (CaCl) and (K) Potassium to replace NaCl with careful applications. All have metabolic implications, specifically cardiac functioning. A good physician keeps up to date on meds available. The major hang up is the cost factor for newer medications as the pharmaceutical companies have a monster profit curve therein.
10 Grams of sodium is a tremendous amount of sodium. How could you have taken 30 grams a day ??? They (the medical profession) advises us (the public)to take 2 to 3 grams of sodium per day, and you are injesting 10 grams. That is outrageous!!! Please stop that immediately. Try not to eat anything that has more than 200 mg of sodium per serving. Just read the labels.
I’m not sure why this post says that it’s hard to measure salt-sensitive hypertension. It is measured by a kidney enzyme called renin. If the renin is low, it can indicate salt sensitivity. It’s measured with a simple blood test. I have low renin hypertension, and my BP can go up 20 points or more just by eating in a restaurant. It stays pretty well under control if I avoid restaurants, added salt and processed food.
Iam 63yrs old. My B.P was high 16/10. Doctor prescribed Thenormin and Enalapril since some 5 yrs. The B.P went up and down and never got stabilized. Since one year back, I am daily doing jogging for about 1 hr and yoga. My daily diet is mainly vegetarian and consists -brown bread, lettuce, water cress, carrot, cucumber,and other seasonal vegetables. I use little oil,little salt and vinegar. I used skimmed milk. My B.P has gone down to, and stabilzsed at 13/9. I am no more on pills.
Has anyone tried Magnesium to lower BP? I’ve been using Magnesium Glycinate and have seen BP drop 20 point systolic and 10 points diastolic in less than a week. I use 1200 mg split into three separate doses of 300mg each per day.