Comparação entre os efeitos do sal do Himalaia e sal comum nos valores de sódio urinário e pressão arterial de indivíduos hipertensos

Abstract

Background: Himalayan salt (HS) emerged and have spread as an alternative for traditional salt, especially for hypertensive individuals. Despite the increase in consumption and the health claims for hypertension, HS continuous without scientific evidence that justifies the clinical use or guidance by a health professional. This study aims to compare the impact of Himalayan and table salt (TS) consumption on systolic (SBD) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure values, and calcium, sodium, and potassium urine concentration in hypertensive individuals. Methods: Randomized crossover study. Methods: A total of 14 hypertensive women participated in the survey. All received Himalayan salt and white salt at different times for 4 weeks each, with a washout period of two weeks. Participants collected a 24-hour urine and performed home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) for 4 days. Statistical analyzes were performed using the SPSS program. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used for data without normal distribution. The 5% significance level was adopted for all tests. Results: No significant differences were found between the consumed SH and SC in both systolic blood pressure (p = 0.908) and diastolic blood pressure values (p = 0.645). Likewise, no difference was found in urinary sodium (p = 0.734), urinary potassium (p = 0.593) and urinary calcium (p = 0.613) values. When comparing these same parameters before and after the intervention with SH, we did not observe statistical difference either. Conclusion: There seems to be no significant difference between the consumption of SH and SC in blood pressure and electrolyte excretion of hypertensive patients. Thus, its use for the benefit of BP continues without scientific basis. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm our findings.