(February 17, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

If Americans reduce their salt intake by as little as 3 g daily, the population-wide cardiovascular health benefits would be similar to those obtained by reducing tobacco use, obesity, and cholesterol levels, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here are some tips for reducing the amount of salt in your diet:

•    Make sure the canned vegetables you buy are labeled “no salt added”

•    Buy fresh fishes and meats instead of those that are canned or processed

•    Instead of seasoning with salt, use herbs, spices, or salt-free seasoning blends

Researchers from University of California at San Francisco used available data to estimate the benefits on health of reducing salt intake by 3 g a day among the entire population of the United States. They then calculated the cost-effectiveness of this endeavor by comparing its effects with those of other interventions designed to reduce rates of cardiovascular disease.

A population-wide reduction in daily salt intake of only 3 g was estimated to reduce the yearly new cases of cardiovascular disease by up to  120,000, stroke by up to 66,000, and heart attack by up to 99,000. It was also estimated to reduce the overall annual number of deaths from any cause by up to 92,000. A regulatory intervention designed to reduce salt intake among the population would be cost effective even if it was reduced by only 1 g per day, but if a 3 g per day reduction was achieved, this would save $10 billion to $24 billion in health care costs annually.

Today’s research demonstrates how lowering dietary salt is as important as other well-recognized efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease, such as quitting smoking and avoiding obesity.