Today, we turn to a new study that examines the impact of adding salt to our food. Extra sodium can raise blood pressure, exacerbating heart disease and stroke risk.

The new research investigation is the first to analyze the relationship between adding salt to our food and early mortality (defined as death before age 75 years).

Added salt and early mortality

Tulane University (USA) researchers looked at the relationship between salt and sodium intake and premature mortality.

They followed study subjects for an average of nine years. Here are the remarkable findings:

Individuals who always added salt to their food had a nearly 1.3-fold (28 percent) increase in the probability of dying prematurely compared with those who never or rarely added salt to their food.

Salt is born of the purest parents: the sun and the sea. — Pythagoras

Now the good news: Increasing intake of fresh fruits and vegetables weakened the link between salt use at mealtimes and early death.

Let’s get more granular: Looking at life expectancy at age 50, adding salt to food appeared associated with a reduction of 2.3 years for men and 1.5 years for women.

The investigators accounted for potential confounding factors, including demographics (age, sex, race), body mass index, tobacco or alcohol use, diet, physical activity, and medical conditions (such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease).

My take — Added salt and early mortality

I believe this is the first study to analyze the link between adding salt to foods and premature death.

My father died of a stroke, so I am particularly sensitive to anything that increases my risk of cardiovascular disease. After examining everything I ate, I was shocked to see how much salt I consumed. The sauces and marinades appeared chock fall of sodium.

By being careful with added salt at the table, I hope to give myself substantial health benefits. I have also discovered the richness of herbs and spices added to foods made from scratch.

We all have different comfort levels with risk. Have you thought about your salt consumption?

The post Is Your Salt Threatening You? appeared first on Medika Life.

A stroke happens when something interrupts the blood supply to a part of the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Either event leads to brain cell damage or death.

Our brain needs oxygen, delivered by arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood. Compromise this oxygen delivery, and brain cells begin to die within minutes. Unfortunately, may suffer long-lasting damage, disability, or death.

Let’s briefly explore some lifestyle habits and health conditions that can raise your risk for stroke. We’ll end with fice ways you might drop your chances of having a stroke.

Stroke risk factors

The American College of Cardiology explains that several risk factors can increase the probability you will have a stroke:

• Older age. While a stroke can occur at any age, the risk doubles every decade between 55 and 85 years.
• High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for a stroke.
• Race: Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to experience a stroke.
• Smoking can cause blood clots and raise blood pressure.
• Mini-strokes, or TIAs (transient ischemic attacks).

• Physical inactivity
• Being obese.
• Diabetes.
• High cholesterol.

You may have noticed that many of the risk factors for stroke also apply to heart disease. High blood pressure (hypertension), a sedentary lifestyle, excessive weight, and elevated cholesterol can negatively affect your heart or blood vessels.

Also, some heart problems can increase your stroke risk. These heart conditions include atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), disorders of the heart valves, and enlargement of a heart chamber. With any of these problems, clots can break loose and interrupt the blood supply to the brain.

Stroke: My risk reduction action plan

My father died of a stroke related to atrial fibrillation. I am more committed to practicing stroke risk-reducing maneuvers. Here is my action plan:

1. Move

I know that getting adequate physical activity is one of the single best ways that I can reduce my risk of a heart or brain event. I never use the excuse that I don’t have time; I can always walk ten minutes thrice daily (or get up every 45 minutes to walk a minimum of 75 steps).

2. Know your numbers

I keep an eye on my blood pressure and cholesterol. No excuses.

3. Manage stress

Managing stress is not something I historically thought about much. Now I know not to let my mind get the better of me. Chronic stress increases stress hormones and chemicals that promote inflammation in my body and brain.

The answer for me? I do deep breathing and mindfulness-based meditation to counteract stress. Exercise helps, as do activities (such as practicing the piano) that allow me to unplug.

4. Watch your weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is worth the effort. Even dropping a few pounds can improve my heart health. The American College of Cardiology reminds us that “many studies have shown that people who store excess fat around their midsection are at much greater risk for several health problems. These illnesses include heart disease, stroke, sudden cardiac death, certain cancers, and dementia.

5. Diet

A heart-healthy diet is a way to lower your risk of a stroke. Here’s a guide:Heart-Healthy Diets | CardioSmart – American College of CardiologyWhat it is: Although there isn’t a single Mediterranean diet, this eating plan commonly emphasizes: Fresh fruits and…www.cardiosmart.org

If a stroke happens, it is important to get the individual to the hospital as soon as possible. Here are some of the symptoms to look for:

https://drive.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https%3A//www.cdc.gov/stroke/docs/Know_the_Facts_About_Stroke.pdf&embedded=true

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