High-Salt Diet Myth: The Truth About Salt & Longevity
- MedBridge NZ
- Oct 27, 2025
- 3 min read
A dangerous high-salt diet myth is gaining traction: the idea that eating saltier food leads to a longer life. This surprising claim contradicts decades of health advice, and believing this myth about salt can have serious consequences, as one family recently discovered.
Mr. Wang, a man in his late 50s, had recently taken up cooking after watching online videos. His son, Zhang, came home one weekend to try his father's new dish—braised pork slices.
"Oh my goodness, Dad!" Zhang exclaimed after one bite. "Did you mistake the salt for sugar? Why is this so salty?"
His mother explained, "Your father's cooking has become much saltier lately. He read an article claiming that eating more salt leads to a longer life. I can't stand it, but he's convinced."
Zhang tried to reason with his father, warning him about misleading health articles and the importance of a low-salt diet, especially at his age. But his words had little effect.
Months later, his father was rushed to the hospital after a game of mahjong. The diagnosis? Hypertension, brought on by long-term excessive salt intake.
Where Did the High-Salt Diet Myth Begin?
So, where did this high-salt diet myth come from? The idea was popularized by a single study published in the European Heart Journal, which suggested a correlation: higher sodium intake was associated with longer life expectancy and a lower risk of all-cause mortality.
This finding flew in the face of current medical consensus. Unsurprisingly, the study was met with significant skepticism from experts in the field. Health professionals worldwide emphasize that limiting excessive salt intake is crucial.
Debunking the Myth: Why a High-Salt Diet Isn't Healthy
The "saltier equals longer life" claim is the very definition of a high-salt diet myth. It is an observation from one study, not a proven fact. There is insufficient evidence to support it, and it should be viewed as an outlier, not as credible advice. The dangers of excessive salt, however, are well-established.
Overwhelming research has confirmed that a diet too high in salt increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and even death.
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Beyond the Myth: The Real Dangers of "Hidden Salt"
Even if you don't believe the high-salt diet myth and avoid the salt shaker, you may still be consuming too much. The real danger often lies in "invisible salt" hiding in common foods.
1. Condiments and Sauces
Sauces are packed with salt for flavor and preservation. Even sweet condiments like ketchup contain a surprisingly high amount. Just 100g of ketchup can hold nearly half of the recommended daily salt intake.
2. Beverages
It's not just food. Many drinks, including sports drinks and even some mineral waters, contain sodium. Check the nutrition label; the sodium content is always listed.
3. Sweet Foods
Bread, cookies, cakes, and other pastries often contain significant amounts of salt. Salt is used to balance the sweetness and improve texture. Because the sweetness masks it, you may consume far more salt than you realize.
A Healthier Path Forward: Moving Past the Salt Myth
"Reducing salt" is a global health initiative. Data shows that if global salt intake were reduced to the recommended 6 grams per day, an estimated 2.5 million deaths could be prevented annually.
If you're used to a salty diet, don't worry. The palate is adaptable. Your taste buds can adjust to a lower-salt diet within 6 to 8 weeks.
There's an old saying: "Disease enters through the mouth." Taking control of your health starts with awareness and moving past harmful myths. Whether it's adjusting your diet or exploring healthcare options, being proactive is key. If you're researching international health services, understanding the landscape of medical tourism in China can provide more options for your wellness journey.
For your health and the health of your family, it's time to reject the high-salt diet myth and embrace a low-salt, healthy lifestyle.
Source Attribution:
This article was written by Dr. Zeng Weigen (MD, PhD), Attending Physician in the Department of General Surgery at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital.
References: Original Article (Translated): "Is Eating Too Plainly Bad? New Study: People Who Prefer Salty Food May Live Longer? Here's the Answer" URL: https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/617438385
