While your body needs some sodium for your heart and muscles to function normally, most Americans consume well over the recommended daily amount, according to MayoClinic.com. That amount is 2,300 mg per day if you are under 50, and 1,500 mg if you are over 50. If you have a condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease, your doctor may recommend cutting your salt intake. While you can replace regular salt with salt substitutes, which typically contain potassium chloride, these may also pose a danger if you have certain health conditions. Always check with your doctor before using salt substitutes.
Significance
The chemical equivalent of salt is sodium chloride, and potassium supplements use potassium chloride, which is chemically similar, as a taste substitute. Most salt substitutes contain some amount of potassium chloride to create a salt-like flavor. However, many high-potassium salt substitutes can take on a bitter aftertaste that may be more pronounced when heated. If you are healthy, high-potassium salt substitutes may not be a bad option for you because your body needs potassium for daily functions, such as keeping your heart beating and for nerve communication, according to MayoClinic.com. However, if you have certain healthy problems, potassium salt substitutes can be dangerous.
Kidney Disease
Your kidneys are responsible for filtering minerals such as sodium and potassium from your blood. If you have kidney disease, your kidneys do not filter as effectively, which can result in a buildup of potassium, sodium and phosphorus in your blood. If your potassium levels become too high, this can have a serious effect, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you have kidney disease or other problems related to your kidneys, talk to your doctor about consuming potassium salt substitutes in any amount.
Heart or Liver Conditions
Consuming high-potassium salt substitutes also may be dangerous if you have conditions such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure or liver disease. Medications you might be taking in conjunction with these conditions, such as potassium-sparing diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, may interact harmfully with an increased potassium intake.
Solution
While you can use high-potassium salt substitutes if you are healthy to reduce your overall salt intake, a better option may be to attempt to decrease your overall daily salt intake. The taste for salt is an acquired one, according to MayoClinic.com. If you can cut your salt intake in your cooking and food choices on a daily basis, you may not require salt substitutes at all.
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