Health

Taking salt substitutes may lower risk for heart disease, stroke

Published

8 months ago

March 18, 2024

Nutritionists and cardiovascular experts have warned against high sodium (salt) intake due to its ability to increase blood pressure, the danger it poses to cardiovascular health and its ability to predispose people to noncommunicable diseases.

They, however, recommend the consumption of potassium salt substitutes instead of dietary salt (sodium chloride) to reduce such risks.

According to them, sodium and chloride in salt can cause an expansion of the extracellular fluid volume, which over time, causes a rise in blood pressure that results in strokes, heart failure, heart attacks, and kidney disease.

While calling for the replacement of sodium chloride with salty-tasting potassium chloride, experts said decreasing dietary salt intake from the current global levels of 9–12 grams per day to the recommended level of less than 5 grams per day would have a major impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

The professionals said that salt reduction strategies are best in the prevention of global noncommunicable diseases and can avert over yearly 2.5 million deaths from heart attacks and strokes.

According to the World Health Organisation, potassium salt substitutes are alternatives to regular salt both as an ingredient of pre-packaged foods and as salt added to food and beverages by consumers.

The WHO noted that the use of potassium salt substitutes also known as low-sodium salt substitutes is increasingly being considered as a potential blood pressure-lowering strategy by national health authorities and public health organisations.

“The amount of dietary salt consumed is an important determinant of blood pressure levels and of hypertension and overall cardiovascular risk. Annually, 17.5 million deaths are attributable to cardiovascular disease, which accounts for an estimated 31 per cent of deaths globally.

“It is also estimated that one out of every 10 cardiovascular deaths are attributable to salt intake of more than 5g per day,” the United Nations agency added.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Olusola Malomo said dietary salt is essential to the body, but its high intake can also raise blood pressure, which can damage the body in many ways.

He said high blood pressure has been linked to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other health-related problems, adding that potassium salt substitute provides a seasoning alternative for manufacturers looking for how to reduce sodium.

He added, “Potassium has many important functions. It allows the nerves to respond to stimulation and muscles to contract, including those in the heart. It reduces the effect of sodium in table salt on blood pressure.

“It helps to move nutrients into cells, and waste products out of cells. Salt substitutes made from potassium chloride alone look like regular salt and have a salty flavour, but have zero sodium.

“However, potassium doesn’t activate the same taste cells as sodium. That’s why people complain that these substitutes often leave a bitter or metallic aftertaste. Salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, either alone or mixed with regular salt.”

Malomo added that potassium salt is less processed than table salt and retains trace minerals, which add flavour and colour, insisting that sea salt is also available as fine grains or crystals and is often promoted as being healthier than table salt.

On its impact on cardiovascular health, a Consultant Cardiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Dr Akinsanya Olusegun-Joseph, said the human body needs a small quantity of salt for optimal health and development but too much of it causes the body to retain water.

“This increase in fluid in the body increases blood pressure, which puts a strain on blood vessels, the heart and kidneys. With this, people with high blood pressure have an increased risk of coming down with heart disease and stroke.

“It’s, therefore, safe to say that everyone should pay attention to and reduce their dietary salt intake. Potassium salt is available in Nigeria and we recommend it to some patients. A lot of people don’t know the quantity of salt they consume daily.

“Too much sodium and the accompanying fluid retention in the body can be very dangerous. But potassium has a way of dilating the vessels and by doing this, the blood pressure will be reduced. The spiral resistance reduces and blood pressure comes down.

“Sodium causes retention of fluid but potassium doesn’t. Potassium will reduce high blood pressure but sodium will increase it. So, potassium salt substitutes have a greater advantage when compared with sodium chloride.”

Buttressing this position, a study published in the National Library of Medicine titled, ‘Potential use of salt substitutes to reduce blood pressure’,’ by Clare Farrand and her team, affirmed that higher intakes of potassium are associated with decreased blood pressure independent of sodium intake.

The study also suggested that increased consumption of potassium can mitigate the negative effects of high sodium consumption on blood pressure, indicating that the sodium‐potassium ratio of the diet is therefore a major determinant of blood pressure.

“Both sodium and chloride in salt lead to an increase in blood pressure and then cause strokes, heart failure, and heart attacks, as well as kidney disease,” the study stated.

The authors recommended a reduction in sodium use in food manufacturing and processing, and to explore the use of potassium‐based sodium replacers.

“Further consideration may need to be given to how best to label salt substitutes (namely potassium) in processed foods to ensure that people who may be adversely impacted are aware,” the study recommended.

Health

UNICEF to vaccinate 3.8 million children in Northern Nigeria

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The United Nations Children’s Fund has disclosed that no fewer than 3.8 million children would be vaccinated against measles across four Northern states.

The UNICEF Health Officer in Bauchi state, Patrick Ako, disclosed this in a news conference on Friday, noting that the vaccination exercise would commence on Saturday and run for seven days.

He highlighted that the four Northern states where the integrated measles campaign would take place include Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau.

“For the measles campaign, we have a target of 3.8 million children from nine months to 59 months, which we are targeting across the four states.

“We have received in all the states a total of over 4 million doses of measles vaccines which have been supplied across the four states,” Ako stated.

The Health Officer explained that UNICEF is also going to launch an oral vaccination campaign against polio across five Northern states.

He said, “For the oral polio vaccination, we have a target of 6.8 million children that we are going to reach from zero to 59 months, which is less than five years across five states of Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe,e, and Adamawa.

“The total number of vaccines that have already gotten to them is 7.4 million doses across these five states.

“We are looking at it that no child should be left behind; all children of an eligible age group should be reached and be vaccinated.”

Also speaking, a Social Behavioural Change Specialist at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, George Eki, said it became imperative for UNICEF to support the Nigerian government in protecting children against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Health

5 questions to ask your doctor before starting birth control

Published

3 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

It’s normal to have questions about what birth control method is right for you.

Starting birth control is a big decision, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what questions to ask your doctor.

With so many options available, from pills and patches to implants and IUDs, it’s understandable if you’re feeling confused or anxious.

Finding the right method isn’t just about preventing pregnancy; it’s also about making sure you feel comfortable and healthy with your choice. Your doctor is there to guide you, but it’s important to come prepared with questions that address your concerns, lifestyle, and future plans.

1. What types of birth control are available?
When it comes to birth control, one size does not fit all. Ask your doctor about the different methods available, such as the pill, IUD (intrauterine device), patch, ring, implant, or shot.

Your doctor can explain how each method works, how effective they are, and what the pros and cons are. For example, if you prefer something long-term, an IUD might be a better option. But if you like having more control, the pill could work well.

2. What are the possible side effects?
Every type of birth control has possible side effects. Some people may experience nausea, headaches, weight changes, or mood swings, while others have no side effects at all. It’s important to ask your doctor about what you might expect. If you’re sensitive to hormones, your doctor can suggest non-hormonal options, like the copper IUD. Being aware of side effects in advance can help you know what to look out for and decide what you’re comfortable with.

3. How will birth control affect my period?
Birth control can change your menstrual cycle in different ways. Some methods may make your periods lighter or stop them completely, while others may cause irregular bleeding at first.

If having regular periods is important to you, make sure to mention this to your doctor. They can help you choose a method that aligns with your preferences. If your periods are painful or heavy, certain types of birth control may even help reduce those symptoms.

4. Will birth control interact with my current medications or health conditions?
If you have existing health issues, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of blood clots, some birth control options may not be safe for you. Also, if you’re taking medication for any condition, ask whether it might affect how well your birth control works. Your doctor can guide you to options that won’t interfere with your health or current treatments. Safety should always come first when choosing birth control.

5. What happens if I want to get pregnant in the future?
You’ll need to ask how quickly you can become fertile again after stopping birth control. Some methods, like the pill or the patch, allow for a quick return to fertility, while others, like the shot, may take longer.

If you’re thinking about starting a family in the future, talk to your doctor about which birth control options will work best for your timeline. Planning ahead can make transitioning easier when the time comes.

Health

Cholera claims 10 lives in Enugu

Published

1 month ago

October 22, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Enugu State Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 10 people following a cholera outbreak in the state.

In a letter addressed to the Guild of Medical Directors on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, Dr Egwuonwu Samuel, Director of Medical Services, announced the outbreak and the swift actions being taken to prevent further spread.

The ministry reported several alarming cases of cholera, resulting in 10 fatalities so far. Efforts are already underway by the State Ministry of Health and its partners to contain the outbreak.

“Health facilities and personnel are advised to stay alert for symptoms like acute diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting,” said Dr. Egwuonwu.

“We are calling for the immediate implementation of heightened Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in all medical facilities to stop the spread.”

He urged medical practitioners to take extra precautions and report suspected cases swiftly.

“This outbreak poses a significant public health threat, as cholera is a highly contagious disease typically spread through contaminated water or food. The ministry’s swift action is critical to containing the outbreak and protecting public health.”

Dr. Egwuonwu also appealed to the public to practice strict hygiene measures, including boiling water before drinking, frequent hand washing, and avoiding poorly handled food.

He noted that the Enugu State government would provide further guidelines and updates as the situation develops, while efforts continue in collaboration with local and international health partners to mitigate the outbreak.

(NAN)