IOM Findings On Sodium Intake Erroneous and Confuse Public: Dr Janet

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 03, 2013

Renowned nutritionist and award winning author, Dr Janet Brill, PhD, RD, LDN, CSSD, has strongly criticized the recent expert committee report from the esteemed Institute of Medicine (IOM) which states that there was no rationale for anyone to aim for a sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams a day. This is sure to have deadly consequences for the masses of Americans walking around with an unhealthy blood pressure level, Dr Janet said, in a strong response to the new report (Source: Institute of Medicine, Sodium Intake in Populations: Assessment of Evidence).

Stating figures, Dr Janet said, a majority of American men and women, some 78 million, suffer from hypertension diagnosed as a reading of greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg. An additional third of the population, ~30% of adults 20 years of age have prehypertension, that is also a precursor for heart attacks and stroke a disease which is the leading cause of death and disability in this country.

It has been estimated that 62% of all strokes and 49% of all heart disease is caused by an unhealthy blood pressure level. Projections show that by 2030, the total cost of high blood pressure will increase to an estimated $ 343 billion, Dr Janet added.

Dr Janet is author of the acclaimed book BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN: The 10-Step Plan to Lower Your Blood Pressure in 4 WeeksWithout Prescription Drugs, in which, backed by solid research, Dr Janet created a scientifically rigorous, engaging, and practical guide to lowering your blood pressure through specific dietary, physical activity, and weight loss interventions.

Stating that Americans are confused about salt and blood pressure, Dr. Janet said, the last thing we need in a society under pressure is to confuse the public even further about the relationship between salt intake, blood pressure and death from heart attacks and stroke.

Questioning why the IOM findings appear to refute decades of dietary wisdom and current advice, Dr Janet cites the current guidelines for sodium intake: