Salt Substitutes May Lower Stroke Risk
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 795,000 people experience a stroke annually, and someone dies of a stroke nearly every 3 minutes. Furthermore, almost one in four strokes is from individuals who have already had a stroke. With numbers this high, it makes stroke prevention and mitigating the harm to patients and their families critical.
The journal, JAMA Cardiology, published the results of a study linking replacing regular salt with a potassium-enriched salt. They explained the substitute could be a low-cost, safe, and effective stroke intervention. The study found a significant 14% reduction in recurrent stroke rates and a 21% decrease in stroke-related deaths for persons using a salt substitute as compared to regular table salt. Backing up these results, the World Health Organization (WHO) says there is evidence to support the role of salt substitutes in promoting vascular health.
Potassium-enriched salts are a combination of sodium salt and potassium salt. However, experts say to talk to your doctor about certain medications and those with kidney disease or reduced kidney function need to be careful with potassium intake and should not use potassium-enriched salt substitutes.
If you want to reduce your salt intake altogether, you can season your food with herbs and spices. Especially flavorful are herbs like oregano, rosemary, thyme, chives and basil or spices such as cinnamon, turmeric and ginger. Also, look for foods listed as “no salt” or low-sodium options. Cooking at home using fresh, whole foods is healthier as it lets you control the amount of sodium; and is much better than eating highly processed foods. Other ways to reduce your risk of stroke is to watch your weight, exercise and avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption.
At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer nutritious meals created by our Executive Chef using mainly fresh foods and served all day in our full-service dining room. Residents have the opportunity to self-manage dietary restrictions with choices of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian, low fat, gluten free and dairy free options. Our beautiful community has two-bedroom Casitas for independent living along with assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic, compassionate care for those living with memory impairment diseases. Contact us or visit our website for more information.
MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living in Peoria, Arizona.
Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/potassium-enriched-salt-substitutes-tied-to-lower-stroke-related-risks?