There is a clear link between sodium intake and blood pressure. Primitive societies exposed to very little salt suffer from little or no hypertension. Most people ingest far more salt (sodium) than necessary. The average salt intake in the UK is approximately 9g/day, compared to 6g/day, which is recommended by the government.
The ideal way of obtaining sodium in the diet is via fresh, natural produce such as vegetables, legumes and wholegrains. Salt is added to processed convenience foods, bacon, sausages and other meat products, butter and margarine, canned vegetables, cheese, bread, breakfast cereals and everyday snacks. Despite its presence in so many foods, about one-third of the salt in the British diet is added during cooking or at the table. Another third comes from cereals and breads, one-sixth from meat and meat products, and the remaining sixth from other foods.
A randomised controlled trial in the USA indicated that the reduction of sodium intake along with the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet which is rich in vegetables, fruit, and low-fat dairy products, lowered blood pressure substantially in hypertensive individuals, with greater effect in combination rather than tackling the problem with one approach.(5) The long-term health benefits of such a diet will depend on the ability of people to make permanent dietary changes and the increased availability of lower-sodium foods.