The Scientific Report of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee says that potassium is an “underconsumed nutrient” and less than 3% of the population fulfills the RDA. ( 8) A salt substitute, also known as low-sodium salt, is a low-sodium alternative to edible salt (table salt) marketed to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease associated with a high intake of sodium chloride [1] while maintaining a similar taste. These types of salts are usually less refined (less processed) than table salt. But their amount of sodium and nutrients are similar to table salt. They can still put you at risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.

Medical evidence clearly shows that regularly eating too much salt puts us at increased risk of developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure, coronary artery disease and stroke, as well as increasing the risks of chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease and vascular dementia. Sorry, those and similar statements are myths. At least if you’re talking about their regular (non-reduced) versions. Lubin, Gus (2 February 2017). "Everyone should cook with MSG, says food scientist". Business Insider . Retrieved 27 January 2019. Whitmore, Frank C. (2012). Organic Chemistry, Volume One: Part I: Aliphatic Compounds (2nded.). Mineola, New York: Dover Publications. p.397. ISBN 978-0-486-31115-9. Salt substitutes can also be further enriched with the essential nutrients. A salt substitute can, analogously to the problem of iodine deficiency, help to eliminate the "hidden hunger" i.e. insufficient supply of necessary micronutrients such as iron. [27] [28] Such substances are promoted by UNICEF as a "super-salt". [29] See also [ edit ]

Rather than focusing on reducing sodium intake, most people experiencing high blood pressure are probably better advised to reduce consumption of highly processed foods, to eat more fruits and vegetables to increase potassium intake, and to get regular cardiovascular exercise.

In a clinical study of 224 people with high blood pressure, the C-reactive protein (CRP) level – which is a time tested way to measure inflammation – was found to be “significantly higher” in the group consuming the most salt in their diet, relative to the low and medium salt-intake groups. ( 1) While that may sound scary, the lethal dosage for it is actually similar to regular table salt. ( 5) Various diseases and medications may decrease the body's excretion of potassium, thereby increasing the risk of potentially fatal hyperkalemia. People with kidney failure, heart failure, or diabetes are not recommended to use salt substitutes without medical advice. LoSalt, a salt substitute manufacturer, has issued an advisory statement [13] that people taking the following prescription drugs should not use a salt substitute: amiloride, triamterene, Dytac, captopril and other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, spironolactone, and eplerenone.

Himalania reduced sodium fine pink is similar to LoSalt. The composition is 220 mg of sodium and 210 mg of potassium. The rest is glutamic acid and the amino acid lysine, a hydrolyzed protein that makes the potassium chloride taste less bitter. Both have a trace amount of magnesium carbonate. The healthiest choice is to give up the shaker entirely. That includes forgoing the reduced sodium versions. It’s been proposed that our ancient ancestors consumed the equivalent of less than 1,000 mg of salt per day. Now we’re eating around 10,000 mg daily! Even if you can’t achieve that low benchmark, minor decreases can result in major risk reduction for strokes and ischemic heart disease. ( 3) Here at Superfoodly, we haven’t used salt shakers for over a decade. Within a couple months, we were over the addiction and “normal” foods became salty tasting on their own.

Other less serious reactions from reduced sodium salt substitutes include upset stomach, diarrhea, and tingling in the fingers, hands, and/or feet. The tingling is caused by throwing off the body’s electrolyte balance, which can alter nerve sensations.

Eating too much salt may raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.

If you insist on adding salt to your food, then low sodium salt is a healthier alternative to the regular. The potassium from it will not be a danger if you are a healthy individual without diabetes or kidney disease. Because potassium deficiency is common, it can serve as a safe replacement for sodium, a mineral which is overconsumed worldwide.Dehydrated, pulverized Salicornia (glasswort, marsh samphire) is sold under the brand name "Green Salt" as a salt substitute claimed to be as salty in taste as table salt, but with less sodium. [18] [19] Historical [ edit ] Due to the cardiac effects it has, potassium chloride is actually one of the drugs used in lethal injections. Even when you eat them without added salt, you’re already getting more than enough sodium just from what they naturally contain. Drake, S. L.; Drake, M. A. (2011). "Comparison of Salty Taste and Time Intensity of Sea and Land Salts from Around the World". Journal of Sensory Studies. 26 (1): 25–34. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-459X.2010.00317.x. ISSN 1745-459X.