In mouse experiments, researchers have found a high-salt diet leads to depletion of a species of Lactobacillus in the gut, which in turn increases particular lymphocytes that result in a rise in blood pressure (and type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis). Supplementation of the mouse diet with the depleted species of lactobacilli reversed these changes. A small study of salt-sensitive humans found similar results.
PositiveTip: Carefully controlling sodium intake, especially when salt-sensitive, may help reduce hypertension.