As the world prepares their bodies for a possible COVID19 infection, we wonder how to improve our immunity and lung function. An older study (1987) had probed the question of sodium’s effect on human lung function. Using data from England and Wales, the correlation discovered was that increased table salt purchase meant increased asthma mortality for men and children (not for women). The conclusion was that a diet rich in sodium (think Western diets) may potentiate asthma. The details were that 3 teaspoons or more of salt consumed daily worsened asthmatic symptoms and lung function and led to increased inhaler puffs daily.
I’ve done some research on salt intake, and there is a great debate amongst peoples. Some say you must get enough (2 teaspoons) salt daily to protect overall health; while others say we have got to cut down the salt (< 2 teaspoons) to improve our health and reduce our risk of chronic disease. My vote goes to moderation. If you can acclimate you taste buds to less salt, I’m all for that; and now there is even more reason for the “less is more” camp – better lung function. Something to consider as we make changes to help us during this COVID timeframe.
