Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of reducing salt intake in China, highlighting the health risks associated with high salt consumption and the establishment of "China Salt Reduction Week" to promote awareness [1] Group 1: Salt Consumption in China - The average daily salt intake for adults in China is 11 grams, which is double the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization and the "Chinese Dietary Guidelines" [1] - Since 2019, the week of September 15 has been designated as "China Salt Reduction Week," with September 15 symbolizing the phrase "just want 5 grams" [1] Group 2: Myths about Salt Intake - Myth 1: Reducing salt intake leads to salt deficiency and cramps. In reality, regular diets provide sufficient sodium, and cramps are more related to fatigue or dehydration rather than low salt intake [2][3][5] - Myth 2: Normal blood pressure means no need to reduce salt. High salt diets pose hidden dangers that can lead to hypertension over time, affecting individuals of all ages [2][7][9] - Myth 3: Specialty salts like rose salt and sea salt are healthier. These salts primarily consist of sodium chloride, and their mineral content is negligible compared to other food sources [2][11][13]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of reducing salt intake in China, highlighting that the average daily salt consumption among adults is 11 grams, which is double the recommended limit by the World Health Organization and the Chinese Dietary Guidelines [1] Group 1: Salt Consumption in China - The average daily salt intake for adults in China is 11 grams, exceeding the recommended limit by two times [1] - Since 2019, the week of September 15 has been designated as "China Salt Reduction Week" to promote lower salt consumption [1] Group 2: Myths about Salt Intake - Myth 1: Reducing salt intake leads to salt deficiency and cramps; however, normal dietary sodium is usually sufficient, and cramps are more related to fatigue or dehydration [2][3][5] - Myth 2: Individuals with normal blood pressure do not need to reduce salt; high salt intake can have long-term health risks, including potential future hypertension [2][7][9] - Myth 3: Specialty salts like rose salt and sea salt are healthier; in reality, these salts primarily consist of sodium chloride, and their mineral content is negligible compared to other food sources [2][11][13]

Core Viewpoint - The World Health Organization recommends replacing regular salt with low-sodium salt to reduce sodium intake and associated health risks, particularly for certain high-risk groups [2][11][12]. Group 1: Health Risks of High Sodium Intake - Excessive sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure, which is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, with approximately 49% of heart disease cases attributed to high blood pressure [5]. - High salt consumption is linked to a higher risk of stroke, as it damages arteries and can lead to brain injury [6]. - High sodium diets can irritate the gastric mucosa, potentially causing acute and chronic gastritis and other gastrointestinal diseases [7]. - Overconsumption of sodium can dehydrate skin cells, accelerating aging and causing symptoms like itching and rashes [10]. Group 2: Recommended Use of Low-Sodium Salt - The World Health Organization's guidelines recommend low-sodium salt for individuals with high blood pressure, showing a significant reduction in blood pressure by 5.2/1.5 mmHg and decreasing cardiovascular events and mortality [11]. - High-risk cardiovascular patients, including those with a history of stroke, coronary heart disease, or a 10% or greater risk of cardiovascular disease in the next decade, are advised to use low-sodium salt [12][13]. - Middle-aged and elderly individuals are also recommended to switch to low-sodium salt, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular events without increasing overall mortality [14]. - Healthy individuals with normal blood pressure are encouraged to consider low-sodium salt to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing hypertension [15]. - Caution is advised for individuals with kidney diseases, as they may face complications from potassium retention when using low-sodium salt [16].