Recent studies have show the current dietary intake of salt in Western societies is an important factor in the development of hypertension and may even partly cause blood pressure-related organ damage including renal damage.
 
Recent guidelines recommend reduction of daily consumption of salt to 6 grams per day. Restriction of salt intake varies greatly among individuals, especially those with high blood pressure and kidney disease. Salt intake can affect the progression of kidney disease. Salt restriction is particularly important in dialysis patients.
 
Salt affects blood pressure and renal function by expanding the fluid in the body. It also promotes the secretion of cardiotonic steroids which have been linked to cardiac disease in advanced kidney disease.

This article originally appeared in the June 2009 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.