What Are the Dangers of a Salt Substitute?

Pure salt is necessary to a human being's survival. Salt is associated with high blood pressure and heart disease when consumed in high amounts. Oftentimes, doctors will encourage the use of a salt substitute to lower the risk of these dreadful health issues.

Too Much Salt is Bad For You

What is in a Salt Substitute?

Salt Makes Your Food Taste Better

Salt substitutes usually replace the sodium chloride with potassium chloride, and some of them still contain the sodium chloride that you are trying to avoid.

Too Much Potassium

The potassium in a salt substitute usually contains high levels of potassium.

Potassium Can Be Lethal to a Kidney Patient

If you have kidney problems, potassium can be harmful to you. People who suffer with kidney problems cannot rid their body of excess potassium; the high potassium content in salt substitutes could be lethal to them.

Medication and Salt Substitutes

Medication

Heart patients are usually prescribed an ACE inhibitor, which is a critical part of their treatment. ACE inhibitors will cause our bodies to retain potassium, which could be very dangerous for a heart patient.

Diabetes Patients Need Real Salt

Salt Your Food

Diabetes patients will see their blood sugar and insulin levels rise if they do not get enough salt. They should consult with their physician before making the decision to use a salt substitute.

References

• FDA Consumer Information
• US Food and Drug Administration Ingredient List
• Severe Salt Restriction May Cause Diabetes