Modern foods, many of them ultra-processed, are full of salt and if even more is added, the health risks this behavior poses are heightened. In 2021, 1.8 million deaths were attributed to salt-overuse worldwide. However, it is not always clear who is most likely to add extra salt. Investigating the habit of adding salt to food at the table, researchers found that men who are not on diets to manage high blood pressure are most likely to salt food after preparation. They also found that living arrangements and diet choices can significantly influence people’s discretionary salt use – but don’t do so in equal measure for men and women. The team highlighted the need to spread the word about alternative ways of enhancing flavor without adding salt.

top 18 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] lath@piefed.social 18 points 2 months ago (4 children)

I did my own research, involuntarily, and those who have smoked or are actively smoking will find the taste of regular food bland and subconsciously increase their intake of salt.

Another piece of research has discovered that most recipes spread by word of mouth as it were, will claim for the reader to add spices by taste.

This leads me to believe that in general, people are unreliable when it comes to measurements because rather than individual preference, it's more a matter of bodily trauma affecting perception.

[–] Madzielle@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 2 months ago (2 children)

I smoke, and have heard this.

I often, don't use enough salt. I purposely use less, and Im fine, no one notices. My son likes to add more salt, and I stop him when I can.

I started using less salt in my cooking on purpose, because when I was still with my kid's father, he always salted his food more, no matter what, even before tasting it, seemingly just out of habit. I would say, make eggs, and just use cracked pepper, to make it looked like I added salt (seasoned) and he never noticed.

Just kept the habit of using less.

I feel like (I know) it must be similar to sugar, where as when you use a lot, you get accustomed to it, but if you cut back you wont notice after a time. I bought chips at aldi a few months ago, and hated them, because they were too salty, I couldnt handle it.

So while I can believe that smoking makes it harder to taste food, and some folks might add too much salt to compensate, doesnt mean you habe to because you smoke.

[–] homes@piefed.world 3 points 2 months ago

As a smoker for over 30 years, I’m in the same boat. I also try to use less salt. But I also try my best to avoid any and all processed foods, so I don’t really encounter much pre-added salt. I buy raw foods and cook my own meals, typically using spices other than salt, and when the recipe calls for salt, I will either add less than recommended, or none at all.

And I use sea salt instead, as I prefer the taste.

[–] fallaciousBasis@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Should let people season their food how they like it... Your salt needs aren't related to anyone else.

Salt is a very important electrolyte. It's pretty crazy what some animals will do to find a salt lick.

Good chefs season while they cook. Especially salt. Pepper is good, too.... More fragile herbs are better late but many spices you can add whenever.

[–] Madzielle@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago

Its like you didnt comprehend what I said lol

[–] TingoTenga@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

Cool perspectiva!

[–] CultLeader4Hire@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

Most people don’t even cook

[–] lagoon8622@sh.itjust.works -1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Counterpoint: tasteless, boring food is not "regular" food, in fact it's almost inconceivable in many parts of the world not carrying the corrosive influence of Puritanism. You can keep eating plain potatoes and that's fine, and I'll keep adding salt to them.

[–] Madzielle@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

It's just the difference from adding, say, a teaspoon of salt vs and tablespoon amount. Mad ppl Ive met, I feel like over salt, a little is okay. I salt my potatoes, but I dont drown them and add more.

Salt, is it even a spice? try som cumin or peppers or something.

[–] Quilotoa@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 months ago (3 children)

I was told by my doctor to put more salt on my food because of low blood pressure. My father's the same. Perhaps older men need more salt due to lower blood pressure?

[–] phdepressed@sh.itjust.works 8 points 2 months ago (1 children)

My dad too, however hypotension is extremely less likely (and generally less dangerous) than hypertension.

[–] Quilotoa@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 months ago

Yeah, it just means I feel a bit light-headed if I get up fast. Maybe I need more stress in my life.

[–] ati@piefed.social 1 points 2 months ago

Me too.

[–] GenderNeutralBro@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Out of curiosity, when did your doctor tell you this? I ask because standard medical advice changes over time, and if its been a while you might want to ask again.

I've had low modestly low blood pressure at times. Never a big deal, but once they turned me away from donating blood because my pressure was a little lower than the standards allow. It was minor enough that my doctor basically said "be sure to stay hydrated and don't worry about it".

[–] Quilotoa@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 months ago

It was a couple of years ago. It has helped the light-headedness.

[–] python@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago

okay but can't this just be explained by women statistically being the ones who prepare the food, so they already salt it to their tastes before it gets to the table?

[–] ikidd@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

1.8 million deaths were attributed to salt-overuse worldwide.

Source? Or is this just an AI guess?

[–] village604@adultswim.fan 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

https://now.tufts.edu/2014/08/13/estimated-165-million-global-cardiovascular-deaths-each-year-linked-high-sodium

That was in 2014, though.