According to a new study by scientists of Indian Medical Research (ICMR), Indians are eating more than millions of salt at high risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disorders.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the consumption of daily salt of less than 5 grams per person, urban Indians are consuming about 9.2 grams in the day, almost double advised limits. Even in rural areas, the average consumption is 5.6 grams, still above the safe range.
To deal with that experts are saying “mute epidemic”, researchers at the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) of ICMR have initiated a three -year salt reduction initiative in Punjab and Telangana. The objective of the project supported by ICMR is to test the effectiveness of the community -led dietary consultation in reducing sodium intake and improving heart health.
Senior scientist of NIE and head investigator of study, Dr. “Excess salt consumption is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Even switching on a small shift-like low-oxium salt-an out of 7/4 mmHg can cause blood pressure,” Sharan Murali said. PTI,
Low-promoted alternatives (LSS), where sodium chloride is partially replaced by potassium or magnesium, is emerging as a promising solution. But researchers warned that access and strength remain important obstacles.
A market survey of 300 retail stores in Chennai found that LSS was available in only 28% shops. While 52% of supermarkets stock it, only 4% of small grocery stores. Additionally, the price of LSS is more than doubled than regular iodized salt- 5.6 per 100 grams 2.7.
Dr. Murali said, “LSS low availability is likely to be due to poor demand, which reflects low awareness.” “We need to bridge this difference between health knowledge and everyday access.”
As part of a large push, NIE has launched a social media awareness campaign-#PINCHFORCHEGE- To educate people about hidden salt in everyday foods and to encourage the use of low-modal options.
A senior scientist of NIE and co-director of the study, Dr. Ganesh Kumar said that the program is only beyond awareness.
“We are co-creating educational materials with frontline health workers, not only giving instructions, but listening to the community. This idea is to make the intervention inherent in permanent and real-world challenges.”
When successful, the program can be extended nationwide, which helps to integrate salt-to-solution counseling in existing public health systems.
“It’s not just about cutting back on salt. It is about re-shaping habits, increasing health literacy and making heart healthy options easier and more accessible-a pinch at one time,” Dr. Murali said.
