Study: Excess salt impairs bodily functions

[FarCenter]

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20100112TDY03103.htm
The Yomiuri Shimbun

People who consume large quantities of salt are more likely to need assistance in their day-to-day lives as they age, according to the results of a health ministry survey.

The survey, conducted by a group led by Hirotsugu Ueshima, professor emeritus of Shiga University of Medical Science, was the first of its kind to reveal a correlation between the intake of salt and the need for physical assistance as one gets old.

The group surveyed 1,510 people aged 52 to 64 who had healthy hearts and no record of high blood pressure. Using data from the national nutrition survey, the researchers estimated the average amount of salt consumed by those polled in 1980. The result of the nutrition survey was examined in relation to their daily activities in 1994. Only participants who could currently bathe, feed and dress themselves, as well as walk and go to the toilet by themselves, were considered to not need assistance.

Researchers found that, on average, men consumed 16.6 grams of salt a day, while women consumed 13.9 grams. Fifty-three of those studied were in need of assistance.

The risk of needing aid increases 25 percent for every 5.7 grams of salt a day for men and 4.5 grams for women.

However, potassium--which can be obtained through vegetables--helps to prevent the decrease in physical function. Though the link between salt and high blood pressure is widely known, this was the first time a link had been made with the need for assistance.

[rwheeler31]

1. I like salt on my vegetables.

[mrbarber]

2. As someone who suffers from High Blood pressure..

you'd be amazed at how much of the food we eat is absolutely saturated with salt.

[FarCenter]

3. Salt is one of the cheapest food ingredients

So a manufacturer puts in as much as he can.

[Warpy]

5. No kidding, read the labels on anything processed

and you find out that processing renders it tasteless so all you're really getting is the salt and MSG.

There are quite a few things I've had in restaurants that looked wonderful but were inedible because of the amount of salt. Forget about chips and microwave popcorn and even some prepared, packaged nuts. I just can't do it.

I've been on a low salt diet since I was 10, went on it when my parents developed severe hypertension.

[emilyg]

6. When I started reading labels - I was amazed.

[paulsby]

4. excess ANYTHING impairs body functions

water, for example.

of course the question is "how much is "excess""

if you tautologically define "excess' as 'that amount that impairs bodily functions"... lol

[CoffeeCat]

7. I hate salt...

We don't have a salt shaker in our house. I don't like salt on anything. I've always
liked very bland food...I must be a super taster.

I know that I am sensitive to salt. If I eat soup, I retain the equivalent of Lake Michigan in my
face.

Now if I could just get off the sugar...

[DesertFlower]

8. i put salt eggs and broccoli.

[The Doctor.]

9. Beer is the key!

No... Really!

http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/beverages/3827/2

Ever wonder why salty foods 'taste good' with beer?

To balance the potassium.

[aquart]

10. Noooo!!!

[seattle_blue]

11. alas

I drink too much. I use too much salt. I do not exercise, and my life is crammed with massive amounts of stress. I also smoke 1-2 packs a day. I'm not trying to make a sarcastic remark. I am just stating the facts of my life. Almost forgot the pots of coffee I augment with caffine pills. :crazy:

[JoeyT]

12. So we can look forward

to the Center For Consumer Freedom's launch of thetruthaboutsalt.com, thetruthaboutsodium.com, saltfacts.com, and sodiumfacts.com just as soon as the salt lobby manages to pay them their required bribe.

(This is a joke: It's a reference to their websites and "research" that claim trans fats, saturated fats, and corn syrup are healthy.)