Why is soft water bad for people on low sodium diets?
Several studies have been published on sodium in drinking water and its effect on blood pressure. First some background. Many researchers believe a reduced salt intake can help lower blood pressure. There is evidence that low salt diets could help prevent high blood pressure in humans. However, many factors are involved in high blood pressure besides sodium. Diets high in potassium, rich in vegetables and less meat consumption have been shown to be effective in reducing or preventing high blood pressure. Also adequate calcium and magnesium intakes are instrumental in lowering blood pressure. And chloride, not sodium, has been found to be a key factor in raising blood pressure. Salt is a combination of sodium and chloride. Many experts worldwide claim 2 to 5 grams of salt daily does not pose any real problems for most people. However, in Western cultures, dietary intake of salt is between 8 to 15 grams daily. Ninety percent of all the salt we consume is from food; 10% from water. Now le
