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Summary: A Well-Written Eye-Opener of a Book
Review: This is the most accessible of the books currently available on dangers to health of a high salt/sodium diet. Given that almost all of us eat this type of diet, this is also (to use a well-worn cliche) one of those books "everyone should read," and not just those who have high blood pressure. It is also one of those books I'm sure the food processing conglomerates and the salt industry would like to see out of print as soon as possible (note that it actually is out of print at this time, but I certainly hope a 2nd printing will be available soon).A nut-shell description of the book is that:
(1) dietary salt/sodium in high amounts combined with dietary potassium in low amounts will, over time, gradually contribute to the onset of a number of diseases (heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, stomach cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, and asthma)
(2) most people don't have a clue how much salt/sodium they're actually eating because roughly 80% of it is "hidden" in processed foods
(3) changing diet by decreasing salt/sodium (particularly processed foods) while increasing potassium (particularly fruits & vegetables) is an effective (and the safest) way to lower blood pressure and protect against the onset of these diseases After reading this book, I immediately felt more optimistic about my health and my ability to control it. I also have a keener sense of what foods are surprisingly high in salt/sodium and are contributing to the western world's epidemic of obesity, high blood pressure, and disease. The authors' advice is compelling and difficult to refute. They build their case on the basis of studies published in reputable medical journals such as the Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine. In particular, they suggest that one of the best ways to prevent and even reverse these diseases is to reduce salt/sodium in our diets while increasing the amount of natural foods we eat. I particularly like the idea that it's not necessary to go "cold turkey" on salt. Instead, some salt/sodium can be eaten BUT it must be balanced with potassium-rich foods. There are also tips and advice about smoothly adapting to a lower salt/sodium diet. By following them, I have lowered my blood pressure significantly, and have more energy than I've had in years, and an increased feeling of well-being. I had a physical exam last week and my doctor was VERY impressed with my health. A final comment is that you may want to get more than one copy of this book because, like me, you may find yourself wanting to give it to family and close friends. I've had 3 copies and have given all mine away. If you're serious about improving and preserving your health in a drug-free way, this is the book for you.
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