Reducing the average intake of sodium in Americans’ diets to the recommended amounts could save the nation $18 billion annually in avoided health care costs and improve the quality of life for millions according to new research conducted by the RAND Corporation. If all Americans met the national sodium guidelines 11 million cases of high blood pressure could be eliminated. In addition, the researchers estimated that meeting sodium consumption guides would save 312,000 quality adjusted life years each year. This is a research measurement that adjusts increased longevity for the relative healthiness experienced during additional years of life.
PositiveTip: Put the salt shaker down! Processed food, restaurant food, and often home cooked food has more than enough.