Maybe Salt Isn't So Bad

We've all done our best to follow low-sodium diets, but how much does sodium really effect us? An article released by the Chicago Tribune Wednesday suggests that sodium may not be as bad as you think. 

A study in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that low-sodium could heighten stress hormones, which then in turn have a negative effect of cardiovascular health. Researchers in 2011 found that in their study low-sodium diets actually did not prevent high blood pressure and increased the mortality rate from heart attacks and strokes. The reason for this is that a low salt diet may include insulin resistance, which in turn, makes a patient more susceptible to heart disease.

The article answers questions about sodium intake from readers, and one reader reports that they had terrible leg cramps that dissipated almost immediately when they increased their salt intake.

The recommended value for sodium per day is still 2400 milligrams for an average adult, so fast food is still not recommended as part of your sodium intake, but maybe its okay to reach for the extra sprinkle of sea salt every now and then.