The Salt Fix

June 19, 2017
DiNicolantonio, a cardiovascular research scientist and doctor of pharmacy, takes on the low-sodium mindset in this well-researched guide to better health. Citing our origins as creatures who “evolved from the briny sea,” DiNicolantonio posits that our bodies need salt to thrive, and need it in greater amounts than has been recommended by other medical authorities. Taking a look back through the last century to determine how the salt-as-enemy notion came about, he makes a fascinating case that the poorly researched and largely unfounded opinions of just a handful of people, in particular Dr. Walter Kempner, changed public health policy. DiNicolantonio goes on to link low-sodium diets to medical risks including obesity, heart failure, and kidney disease, before providing guidelines on how much salt humans should consume—in his view, 3 to 6 grams a day for healthy adults. His detailed text offers food for thought, backed with scientific research.

May 15, 2017

For many years, medical practitioners have been telling people to limit their salt intake. Too much sodium adversely affects the heart and raises blood pressure. According to pharmacist and research scientist DiNicolantonio (Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Inst., MO), they are mistaken. The human body needs salt to function efficiently, and restricting consumption levels does not prevent heart disease. In fact, too little salt leads to eating too much sugar, resulting in diabetes, insulin resistance, and heart disease. The author supports his argument with plenty of evidence from the scientific literature. He also provides a great deal of information about the various types of salt, the amount that people need, diets for balancing salt and sugar use, and the salt content of popular foods. This title contains an extensive bibliography and time line covering the history of restrictive salt guidelines. The author also encourages readers to discuss their dietary needs with their health-care practitioners. VERDICT Thought-provoking, evidence-based information for anyone interested in improving their health.--Barbara Bibel, formerly Oakland P.L.

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