Lower Blood Pressure by Using Salt Substitutes

Too much sodium in your diet can contribute to high blood pressure and make your blood pressure treatment less effective. Salt substitutes can play a useful role as you work to cut back on the sodium in your diet.

What are salt substitutes?

Salt substitutes are foods low in sodium, but that still provide the flavor of salt. Salt substitutes frequently contain potassium chloride, which provides a flavor similar to sodium chloride (table salt).

Potassium Chloride

Salt substitutes containing potassium chloride decrease your daily sodium intake and the added potassium promotes a lower blood pressure. Many studies showed an increase in potassium directly associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure in individuals with high and normal blood pressure levels.

Caution!

While potassium chloride as a salt substitute may be beneficial for many, it can be harmful for some. There are several medical conditions that predispose the development of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) by impairing the renal excretion of potassium. Some or the conditions that predispose you to hyperkalemia include renal failure, diabetes mellitus, and hypoaldosteronism. Before utilizing potassium chloride as a salt substitute consult with your physician to ensure it's safe for your situation.

Spices and Herbs

By combining dried spices and herbs you can create your own salt substitutes for added flavor to meals. Mrs. Dash is a ready to purchase product that provides spice and herb mixes for you ready to use.

You need to understand that salt substitutes are not trying to mimic the flavor of salt. The goal is to ‘retrain’ your taste buds to enjoy a wide variety of new flavors so your salt cravings decrease.

Salt Substitutes When Cooking

If you are baking foods it is likely potassium chloride products will yield a better result that combinations of spices and herbs. However, if you are preparing meats, stews, and casseroles a mixture of spices and herbs can be a great flavor boost.