Salt is often labelled as a major health risk, with many diet trends promoting strict sodium reduction for all. However, medical experts now stress that salt is not universally dangerous. According to cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, sodium plays a vital role in essential body functions such as nerve transmission, muscle movement, fluid balance, and blood pressure control. The real issue lies not with salt itself, but with how different bodies respond to it.
Dr Yaranov, a heart transplant specialist known for his work in advanced heart failure, explains that oversimplified health advice has unfairly demonised salt. He highlights that sodium becomes problematic only in certain medical conditions where the body cannot regulate it properly. In such cases, salt can worsen disease progression rather than simply add flavour to food.
The cardiologist clarifies that for individuals with heart failure, excess sodium causes fluid buildup, increasing congestion and leading to frequent hospital visits and poorer long-term outcomes. People suffering from resistant hypertension are also at risk, as salt can counteract multiple blood pressure medications and make control extremely difficult.
Patients with chronic kidney disease are advised to reduce sodium because it accelerates kidney damage and disrupts fluid management. Similarly, those with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension may experience worsening ascites and abdominal pressure due to sodium-driven fluid retention. Older adults are another vulnerable group, as ageing arteries lose flexibility, making them less capable of handling sodium and increasing cardiovascular risk.
Dr Yaranov emphasises that salt is not the enemy for everyone, but understanding individual health conditions is crucial. Instead of blanket restrictions, sodium intake should be tailored based on personal medical needs and professional guidance.
