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More about Salt and Hypertension
The discussion about hypertension or high blood pressure cannot be separated from salt (sodium). In a broader context, it does not mean that salt is not useful. However, when the intake exceeds what the body tolerates, excess salt intake will have counterproductive effects, such as high blood pressure, the heart is working too hard, the blood vessels become inelastic, even stiffer, stroke, chronic kidney failure and many others. In short, salt is a double-edged sword. On the one hand it is beneficial, on the other hand it is harmful. Studies reported that there is a close relationship between hypertension and dietary salt intake. A meta-analysis showed that a continuous modest reduction in salt intake induces a relevant reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive individuals as well as in those who are normotensive (having normal blood pressure 120/80 mmHg).