Question: Is there a way to neutralize salt in my system? I am hypertensive and don't want to take drugs unless I have to.
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
There is no other way to cut salt than restricting sodium in your diet. Take your blood pressure medication until your goals are reached, then taper off after four to six weeks, under a physician's supervision.
You should aim to reduce sodium to less than 2,000 milligrams per day. It may take up to four weeks to recognize the beneficial effects of a reduced sodium diet on your blood pressure, so the effect is not immediate. That's why using medication is usually wise initially.
If you have a taste for salt, try a salt substitute. But be careful here as some contain potassium compounds, which have their own sometimes severe side effects when overused.
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