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      Low-salt diets are actually harmful to our bodies, a recent study found. The scientists, led by Andrew Mente of McMaster University, found that no matter whether one has high blood pressure or not, low sodium intake（钠摄入量）increased the risk of stroke（中风）,heart attack and death.

      The study goes on to suggest that only certain people who are likely to get high blood pressure and who eat food with high levels of sodium should be worried about reducing sodium intake in their diets. McMaster university's Martin O'Donnell,the study's co-author, said in May 2016,“This study adds to our understanding of the relationship between salt intake and health. The study also doubts the correctness of the present guidelines that suggest low salt intake for everyone.”

      Mente added, “low sodium intake reduces blood pressure in some degree, but it also has other effects.” In the McMaster University study, the researchers considered a high level of sodium consumption（消耗） to be over 6 grams every day. Mente pointed out, “This shows that many people around the world are taking in healthy amounts of salt.” Mente did not agree with the present guidelines on reducing sodium intake in almost all countries. However, he would accept efforts to reduce salt intake in some areas, such as China and Central Asia, where the average salt consumption is unusually high.

      However, Elliott Antman, past president of the American HeartAssociation(AHA) was angry with Mente's study. “The study does not correctly measure sodium intake, and it should not make Americans stop worrying about salt. The American Heart Association continues to suggest less than 1.5 grams of sodium each day from all sources,” he said.