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In a surprising take on dietary advice, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a prominent neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, has raised concerns about the potential risks of low-salt diets for healthy individuals. Dr. Kumar shared his insights on the social media platform X, explaining that while it is widely believed that reducing salt intake lowers the risk of hypertension and heart disease, a strict low-salt diet may actually pose health risks to people without these conditions.
Dr. Kumar pointed out that sodium is essential for various bodily functions, including brain, nerve, and muscle activity. He warned that low sodium levels can lead to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and dizziness, and in severe cases, even seizures, coma, or death. “People on low sodium diets may face increased risk of insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes,” he noted. He also highlighted that low salt intake could elevate levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, which are associated with cardiovascular risks.
While salt is often restricted to help manage blood pressure, this advice does not universally apply, according to Dr. Kumar. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum daily intake of 2000 mg of sodium for adults, or about one teaspoon of salt. However, Kumar suggests that healthy individuals with no history of hypertension or kidney issues might not need to restrict their salt intake to this degree.
Dr. Kumar also noted that about half of people with hypertension have a condition known as salt-sensitive hypertension, in which salt intake directly affects their blood pressure. For these individuals, he recommends limiting sodium to 2300 mg per day. Furthermore, about a quarter of the general population is salt-sensitive, with a heightened risk among women, the elderly, obese individuals, and those with chronic kidney disease.
Dr. Kumar advised that healthy people with normal kidney function should feel comfortable consuming a normal-salt diet. However, those who are already on a restricted salt diet should monitor for symptoms of hyponatremia, a condition marked by low sodium levels in the blood.
Dr. Kumar’s recommendations serve as a reminder that dietary needs are not one-size-fits-all, especially regarding salt intake.
