Study finds consuming excessive salt can cause hypertension, heart disease

Intake of nutrients necessary for good cardiovascular and kidney health is suboptimal among the population in North India, according to a new study, which has shown excessive salt consumption exceeding recommended levels, inadequate potassium intake, and protein consumption below the recommended dietary allowance.

The results of the study conducted by researchers of the George Institute for Global Health India, in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, emphasised on the need for personalised changes in diet to reduce the risks of common non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The study focuses on the intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein which have an impact on the risk of developing non-communicable diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease-fast-growing health challenges in the country.