Is sea salt healthy?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: Everywhere we hear and read that deep sea salt is safe and won’t hurt the blood pressure. Is that true? Is it really safe?
A: Sea salt is still salt and will affect your blood pressure if you are salt sensitive. Sea salt contains additional minerals and elements not found in standard iodized table salt that add flavor. Most of us eat far more salt than we need so cutting back is universally recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Tags: blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, healthy, high blood pressure, salt, sea salt, table saltSalt sensitive hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 17 2007
Q: Do salt substitutes (or potassium products) help BP improvements but still deliver flavor?
A: Salt substitutes will help lower blood pressure in those with salt sensitive hypertension. Salt substitutes also do a good job of enhancing flavor in cooked foods. Personally, I cook with fresh herbs and spices and rarely use any salt.
Tags: Diet & Exercise, potassium, salt, salt sensitive hypertensionPost vacation hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 10 2007
Q: After a delightful vacation, I developed unpleasant headache, felt tightness in my chest, and my blood pressure was higher than ever. I already take 2 meds, walk, and am a vegetarian, but what could have precipitated an increase after a vacation?
A: The most likely source of your increased blood pressure after a wonderful vacation is what you ate. Restaurants liberally use salt to enhance flavor in cooking, even with vegetables. Some people with hypertension are very sensitive to the amount of salt in foods. My guess is that you consumed more salt than usual while on your vacation. However, chest tightness should be immediately evaluated by your physician.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, chest tightness, diet, headaches, high salt intake, hypertension, medication, RESPeRATE, salt
