A recent study has revealed that incorporating salt substitutes in the diets of stroke survivors can lead to significant health benefits, including a decreased risk of death and a lower chance of experiencing another stroke.
An article featured in JAMA Cardiology highlights that swapping regular salt for substitutes may reduce mortality rates by 12% and cut the risk of a subsequent stroke by 14%.
Focus on Hemorrhagic Stroke Outcomes
This research is part of a larger clinical trial, known as the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS), which followed more than 15,000 participants over an average of 4.74 years across 600 villages in northern China.
Participants either received regular salt or a mixture consisting of 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride.
The results were striking: those using the salt substitute experienced notable reductions in recurrent strokes, especially among individuals suffering from hemorrhagic strokes.
Moreover, participants who opted for the substitute faced lower mortality rates.
Experts commend these findings, highlighting the study’s robust sample size and extensive follow-up period.
These factors lend considerable weight to the evidence concerning how reduced salt intake can positively influence stroke recurrence rates.
Stroke Statistics in the United States
Strokes are a major cause of long-term disability in the U.S., with over 795,000 incidents each year—equating to one stroke every 40 seconds.
Among these cases, approximately 185,000 are repeat strokes, emphasizing the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.
Several risk factors contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a stroke, including hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels.
Many adults in America grapple with at least one of these, highlighting the necessity for dietary changes, particularly regarding salt intake.
Healthcare professionals stress that high blood pressure remains the primary modifiable risk factor.
For individuals with a history of stroke, maintaining blood pressure control is vital to reducing the risk of future events.
World Health Organization Guidelines
The findings from the JAMA Cardiology study align with the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which advocates for reduced sodium consumption—ideally keeping intake below two grams per day.
The WHO encourages individuals to consider using lower-sodium alternatives, particularly those enriched with potassium.
While these recommendations apply broadly to the public, special care is suggested for pregnant women, young children, those with kidney conditions, and individuals with issues related to potassium elimination.
Health experts advocate for salt substitutes, especially in populations with elevated stroke rates, but they also advise those with kidney-related health conditions to consult with their healthcare providers before making dietary adjustments.
Older adults with cardiovascular risk factors, in particular, could gain significant health benefits from incorporating these substitutes.
Additionally, recent research highlights how dietary modifications, alongside medications, can support overall heart health.
For individuals managing diabetes or cardiovascular disease, combining salt substitutes with treatments that offer SGLT2 and GLP1 heart benefits may further reduce risks.
Consulting a healthcare provider ensures that these changes align with individual health needs and conditions.
Incorporating salt substitutes into daily diets may be a vital strategy for lowering the risk of recurrent strokes and reducing mortality rates, primarily by managing blood pressure—an important controllable risk factor.
With the World Health Organization endorsing lower-sodium options, there is a growing rationale to promote these substitutes for public health benefit.
Source: Healthline