On Instagram @AndreaHardyRD, I talk all about sodium, gut health and whether or not sodium has an impact on the gut microbiome.
Does salt (sodium) intake impact our gut microbiome?????⠀
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Admittedly, I am a lover of salt – so this is a nice reminder to be aware of how much I cook with!⠀
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New research suggests that our gut microbiota may be in part responsible for some of the negative impacts of a high sodium diet!⠀
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In animal models, we’ve seen a change in microbial composition shifting towards a reduction in beneficial species with a high sodium diet. But what does this mean for humans?⠀
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In a new randomized crossover trial, researchers found that those that had a modest sodium reduction had:⠀
????an increase in short chain fatty acid production (beneficial byproducts from our microbes known to be involved in blood pressure regulation)⠀
❣️A decrease in blood pressure⠀
????Improved arterial compliance (an important marker in cardiovascular disease)⠀
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While the data is preliminary, it’s a good reminder to be mindful of salt intake! So how do we reduce salt in our diet? ????⠀
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Most of our salt intake comes from packaged foods. I like to suggest patients swap out 1 packaged processed food they typically rely on in their cart each week for something they can make from scratch, that way YOU’RE in control of how much salt you add, and can start cutting back!⠀
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You can also choose low sodium/no sodium versions of products, and compare the labels to choose lower sodium brands.⠀
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????Perfect examples to swap/check include:????⠀
– sauces and condiments (choose low sodium, compare labels) ⠀
– pre-packaged meals (compare or try making a similar meal at home!)⠀
– canned veggies & beans (choose sodium free)⠀
– soups and broths (choose low sodium)⠀
– processed meats (choose fresh)⠀
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https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.14800
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