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"In this era of personalized medicine, physicians are recommending individualizing diet and exercise routines because everyone reacts differently to these lifestyle choices. Previously, the UVA researchers demonstrated that each individual is genetically programmed with a 'personal index of salt sensitivity,' suggesting sodium chloride dietary guidelines should also be personalized. The approximate 30 percent of the population that is sensitive to salt will have a higher incidence of strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure and blindness because of the inability to eliminate sufficient sodium."
"The research reveals that a gene defect causes a sodium transporter called NBCe2 to overwork. This brings too much sodium filtered in the kidney back into the body, especially after a high-salt meal."
As Suzy points out above, there are genetic sub-populations of "normal" people that handle salt differently.
If we test Vit C supplements, let's say, our results will depend on how many people with scurvy are in the test group. ..Same with testing salt diets --
Averages found in testing only apply to the group, not the individual.
I'm 68 with untreated BP of about 115/70, has been this level give or take a few points my entire life. I actually have pretty severe salt cravings at times (I was actually checked for Addison's at one time, but don't have it). Never affects my BP at all - I check it at home fairly regularly.
My sibling, on the other hand, has had essential hypertension since his 20s, and salt intake really affects his BP levels.
When people say salt doesn't CAUSE high blood pressure, they're talking about people like me. Salt did not CAUSE sibling's high blood pressure, but excess sodium certainly exacerbates it.
OK I give platelets regularly. I have to have a sort of mini physical to give them, which includes checking my blood pressure. It's been below the 90/60 mark (what they consider to be "normal") several times, and averages about 100/70. I am 60. I've had doctors ask me in the past if I feel alright, which I do. At that point they say "Well, as long as you feel good, that's really all that matters." It's been 85/50 before and yet I've felt fine. I may not be average but for me, "low" blood pressure is normal blood pressure. If mine was ever 120/80 I'd be worried!
Anyway, I don't watch my salt intake at all. In fact, I may need to eat a bit more of it since lately I've had a few leg cramps at night.
When I was overweight there was a direct correlation between my sodium intake and my blood pressure.
When I became fit there was no correlation at all. In fact now I have to take electrolytes with salt to avoid problems like muscle cramps.
Salt played a role in my high blood pressure, but it's obvious my high blood pressure was caused by being overweight.
I've also been taking the electrolytes with salt for a few months. My health conscious daughter does as well. I do feel great and my BP is always good.
Ya know ...after my MD said increase my salt
(for severe LBP)---I made an appt with a Cardiologist. I passed their tests and he asked," WHY!!!?"
did I come in...like I was crazy.
I said my reasons and asked about my kidneys specifically! He said, I'll be fine...salt's not gonna hurt anything.
Just sayin' what happened with me.
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