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November 9, 2011

Josh Orlean stays away from salty foods, but says it isn't easy.

"I was in Penn Station last night and I really wanted popcorn with salt on it and I just had to say no to myself," he said.

Orlean sticks to a low-sodium diet to keep his blood pressure in check. But a new study in the American Journal of Hypertension questions whether reducing sodium actually leads to a healthier heart.

Researchers reviewed more than 160 studies and found while lowering salt intake did slightly lower blood pressure, it also raised cholesterol and hormone levels that can be harmful to the heart.

"There's an increase in renin and triglycerides which can actually increase the risk of heart disease ultimately," explained Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum of Lenox Hill Hospital.

According to current government guidelines, the majority of American adults should be on a low-sodium diet, which means 1,500 milligrams a day or about half a teaspoon of salt. The study's author says it may be time for doctors to rethink recommending a low-salt diet, but other experts disagree.

"My biggest concern is that people will think that it's OK to eat salt now. I think we still have a lot to learn," Steinbaum said.

Orlean says he's not about to give up his low-salt routine, even if it is a little bland.

"It won't be the same as pouring salt the way I like to pour salt, but I'd rather be safe," he said.

Orlean lost his father and grandfather to heart attacks and believes his low-salt lifestyle is helping keep him healthy.

The study comes as the Food and Drug Administration holds a public hearing Thursday on ways to reduce sodium consumption in the United States.