New study finds how ‘chutki bhar namak’ is raising the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart and kidney diseases in India

People in India are consuming more salt than recommended, increasing their chances of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney problems. This was revealed by scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE). They have started a study to reduce salt intake in communities and are promoting the use of low-sodium salt substitutes, a TOI report stated.

Urban and rural intake exceeds WHO limits

The World Health Organisation advises eating less than 5 grams of salt per person per day. But according to research cited by the NIE scientists, people in urban India eat around 9.2 grams a day, and even in rural areas, the average is about 5.6 grams, both above the recommended limit.

Low-sodium salt as a key tool

Dr Sharan Murali, senior scientist at NIE and the study’s lead researcher, said replacing regular salt with low-sodium salt substitutes could help bring down blood pressure and improve heart health.
“Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension,” Dr Murali said.

“Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average, a small change with a big impact,” he added.

Three-year study in Punjab and Telangana

To address the issue, NIE has started a three-year project in Punjab and Telangana. The aim is to measure how structured salt reduction counselling can help people with high blood pressure reduce both their salt intake and blood pressure levels.Dr Ganesh Kumar, another senior scientist at NIE who is involved in the study, confirmed the purpose of the project.