Salt
How can we reduce salt on a production level?
Gradual reduction is added salt to a product, try promote salt-reduced products more
Why is HBP a problem?
HBP is the leading risk factor for CVD, killing 1 Australian every 12 minutes, HBP associated with heart attacks, HBP damages heart and kidneys, HBP kills more than smoking, obesity and high cholesterol
What does high salt intake lead to?
High blood pressure - 30% due to high salt intake
Highly processed foods? Why are they bad for us?
High sodium and low potassium (as well as other dietary factors).
What are the recommended levels of sodium?
2300mg sodium/day (5.75g salt/day) - upper limit for adults, 1600mg sodium/day (4g salt/day) if middle aged, older, African decent or already have HBP
How much of Australia is affect by HBP?
34% and another 33% are pre-hypertension
Effects of HBP?
Damages blood vessel walls, allows cholesterol and inflammatory cells to enter, kidney diseases
Possible mechanisms of action for HBP?
Left ventricular hypertrophy, beating at higher pressure, Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis
How can we reduce salt intake on an individual level?
Less processed foods (70-80% comes from this), don't add salt, buy salt-reduced products, fresh veges, eat potassium rich foods
Fresh fruits & vegetables? Why are they good for us?
Low sodium and high potassium
What is salt?
NaCl - 40% Na, 60% Cl
What is normal blood pressure and why is pre-hypertension an issue?
Normal 120/80 mmHg, hypertension 140/90 mmHg, pre-hypertension is between normal and hypertension, studies show additional 2400 mg sodium/day increases 0.5mmHg/year SBP, being pre-hypertension increases risk of HBP and then CVD.
What is the role of salt in food?
Preservation of food, suppresses bitter taste and makes reheated food taste better and is used widely in prepared foods, adds positive flavours to foods and is safe to use
Why is salt harmful to us?
Prolonged high NaCl intake is associated with increased arterial pressure, Heart: cardiac hypertrophy, diastolic/systolic dysfunction, Blood vessels: oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, decreased vascular elasticity, Kidney: glomerular injury, renal failure
What is the role of salt in our bodies?
Regulates the amount of fluid in the body, Hydration/dehydration, Cell voltage (membrane potential), Cell volume
How much sodium do Australians consume?
Varies 5.5g/day to 9g/day (of salt) which is 2200mg sodium/day to 3600mg sodium/day. Average from AWASH 2008 study is 3600mg sodium/day. Most countries' salt intake is 5-10x higher than needed.
Overall take on salt?
Western diets generally contain too much salt, portion sizes are growing, sections of the population have higher food intake generally have higher sodium intake e.g. male young ages
