Lower sodium consumption ‘may reduce symptoms of asthma’

Reducing the daily intake of salt can minimise the severity of asthma attacks, a study suggests.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, a causal link has been identified that suggests that sodium may influence levels of airway hyper-responsiveness, reports News Target.

Researchers have also found evidence to support the hypothesis that lowering salt consumption also improves the airway responsiveness of non-asthmatics; however, alternative studies suggest that this is not the case.

“Reducing salt in our diets is thought to be beneficial for many reasons and the possibility that it may improve asthma symptoms is something Asthma UK is keen to explore,” said Dr Lyn Smurthwaite, research development manager for Asthma UK.

“We would encourage people with asthma to eat a healthy diet of fresh foods that are likely to contain lower levels of salt,” she added.

Despite the recommended daily intake of salt being set at six grams per day by the Food Standards Authority, many westerners currently consume nearly double that amount.