Question: Is sea salt better than regular salt? How about alternatives like Accent, which is supposed to have 60 percent less sodium than table salt?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Salt is salt, regardless of its source. There is no chemical difference except that one type of salt may be synthesized or manufactured and the other is naturally derived from salted sea water.
Salt substitutes are low in sodium, but can be high in potassium. Be careful using salt substitutes if you take medications that affect sodium and potassium, and be sure your doctor is aware that you use them, as some medications may make your body retain potassium.
Additional potassium in the form of salt substitutes may cause heart rhythm disturbances or more serious sometimes life-threatening consequences. Additional potassium can also overwhelm the kidney's ability to main a safe level in your blood, which boosts the risk for heart attack in otherwise healthy people, both young and old.
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