– One in three Australian adults has high blood pressure and excess salt increases the risk of it
– Despite recommendations to reduce salt intake, Australians have failed to cut their intake despite decades of strong recommendation
– Potassium-enriched salt is a simple and effective solution as it can be used like regular salt and has no significant taste difference
– It works to lower blood pressure by reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake
– Insufficient potassium intake, mostly from fruit and vegetables, is another big cause of hypertension
– There is strong evidence from a randomized trial and 21 other studies to support its benefit
– Current guidelines for managing hypertension do not give clear and consistent advice on using it, and limited availability is a challenge
– High blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in the approximately 2% of the population with serious kidney disease are a concern, but there is no harm from it.
One simple diet change reduces blood pressure and heart attack risk.