K-Salt: We all know that sodium rich salt can increase blood pressure, which is a major cause of heart diseases like heart attack, hence potassium rich salt is being recommended.
Potassium-Enriched Salt: According to an international study, potassium supplements in salt can significantly reduce the risk of stroke recurrence as well as death. This study comes amid a new recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) to consume potassium-enriched salt to combat high blood pressure and related heart risks.
Stroke is deadly
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability, and recurrent events remain a major concern. High sodium intake and low potassium intake are considered the main risk factors. Researchers from several countries, including China, Australia and the UK, said, "The study shows that potassium salt substitutes significantly reduced the risk of stroke recurrence and death, and are a new and practical therapeutic option for stroke patients."
How was the research done?
The randomized clinical trial included 15,249 participants in China who had previously reported suffering a stroke. Participants were assigned to use either a salt substitute, which consisted of 75 percent sodium chloride and 25 percent potassium chloride by mass, or regular salt.
The findings,
published in JAMA Cardiology, showed that the potassium alternative group had a 14 percent reduction in recurrent stroke compared with the regular salt group. A total of 2,735 recurrent stroke events occurred, of which 691 were fatal and 2,044 were non-fatal episodes. There was a 30 percent relative reduction in hemorrhagic strokes, and a 21 percent reduction in stroke-related deaths. The researchers found no significant difference in hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) between the groups.
"The results of this cluster trial show that salt alternatives were safe and reduced the risk of stroke recurrence and death, suggesting major health gains from scaling up this low-cost intervention among stroke patients," the researchers said.
WHO recommends K-salt
In its recent guidelines, WHO recommends using K-salt or potassium chloride instead of regular table salt, which is rich in sodium. K-salt can lower blood pressure, which can cause cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease.
It also reduces the risk of other problems associated with high sodium intake, such as gastric cancer. According to the WHO, every year, 8 million people die due to poor diet. Of these, 1.9 million deaths are due to high sodium intake.
Disclaimer: Dear reader, thank you for reading this news. This news is written only to make you aware. We have taken the help of home remedies and general information in writing this. If you read anything related to your health anywhere, then definitely consult a doctor before adopting it.
