A low-salt diet is sometimes recommended, in cases of high blood pressure for example. In this case, certain diet salts can be used. However, they are not all recommended by 60 million consumers, a survey of which denounces the lack of transparency.
To combat high blood pressure, some patients must learn to do without salt. And if it is too difficult to do without them, diet salts can be used as substitutes.
Potassium-based diet salts
The difference between classic salt and diet salts is their composition. Instead of sodium, potassium is incorporated into these products, generally sold in pharmacies or supermarkets.
But according to a survey carried out by 60 million consumers, the brands producing these salts are not transparent enough on the packaging.
Salts not recommended for certain patients
In fact, brands are not explicit enough regarding the risks associated with the consumption of these products. As the consumer association points out, these salts are not recommended for certain patients, particularly those who treat their high blood pressure or heart failure using “hyperkalaemic” medications.
According to Professor Béatrice Duly-Bouhanick, endocrinologist and hypertensiologist, president of the SFHTA (French Society of Arterial Hypertension) and cited by 60 million consumers, “These medications slow down the elimination of potassium which can then accumulate in the body. leading to hyperkalemia and heart rhythm disturbances.
The same goes for patients with heart failure, diabetics or the elderly whose kidneys may have difficulty eliminating potassium.
NO to diets, YES to WW!
Ask your doctor for advice before using it
Finally, the consumer association denounces the “mimicry with salt” described as “perfect”, when it is not the same thing. 60 million consumers therefore recommend that all people who may need it seek advice from their doctor beforehand.
The National Health Security Agency (ANSES) also highlighted the potential danger of the allegation.potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure“, indicated on certain products. A sentence which, according to her, “could encourage hypertensive subjects to turn to foods containing (potassium chloride) and thus expose themselves to a health risk“.
Finally, she recalls that in 2020, a man died for having consumed them, even though they were contraindicated for him.
Slide: 10 alternatives to salt: eat less salty but not tasteless!
