January 2024

Effect of Sodium in Food on Blood Pressure

A new study with groundbreaking results showed that a low-sodium diet is just as effective as first-line blood pressure medication for lowering blood pressure. The low-sodium diet (1.2 grams/day) led to an average 8 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to the high-sodium diet (3.5 grams/day). This reduction was observed in nearly 75% of individuals. This decrease was seen both in people with high blood pressure and people without high blood pressure.

Dr. Neuman says: “A 5-mm hg drop in blood pressure is equivalent to 10% less risk of heart attacks and heart disease. While this is a promising study, remember that changes to diet must be sustainable to work.”

Semaglutide Reduces Risk of Heart Attack by 20%, Heart Disease by 15%

The wonder drug is back. Semaglutide (brand names Ozempic, WeGovy, Rybelsus) was found to reduce risk of heart attack and heart disease. This study showed the protection, even in people without diabetes [semaglutide was originally a diabetes medicine]. 

Dr. Neuman says: “We are still unsure exactly why the risk was lowered, though it seems likely that it was because semaglutide helps folks lose weight, and weight is a risk factor for heart attack and heart disease.”

Vegan Diet Linked to Health Benefits

A plant-based diet lowered cholesterol, sugar, weight, and blood pressure in a new study. The study enrolled twins. One twin was allowed to eat animal products, and the other was not. The twin eating the plant-based diet had improved markers in multiple important health markers like LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), sugar levels, and blood pressure. The twin restricted to plants scored the enjoyability of their diet as less than the twin without restrictions.