There is a lot of confusion about what salt does for the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and mortality. Recent studies have shown that for people without heart disease or stroke, that salt does not increase mortality. There is no question that salt is a bad idea for someone with congestive heart failure or fluid overload. We know that salt retains water.
There is more data now showing that for older people who are eating too much salt and not exercising that the risk for cognitive decline goes up. It is clear that one size doesn't fit all...some people should not consume salt and some can if they want. We should also highlight the fact that refined table salt is only sodium chloride but that sea salt or Himilayan salt is far more complex and provides a lot of micronutrients that are good for us. Each person should be evaluated to determine who can eat more salt and who is at risk for fluid accumulation and health issues as a result.
