They believe eating too much salt can raise the blood pressure and that this, in turn, speeds up the body's loss of calcium which could lead to osteoporosis. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, kidney disorder and heart disease. Osteoporosis is estimated to cost the NHS 600m a year and is an important cause of disability, particularly in elderly women. They suggest that changes to the diet at any age, such as cutting salt and increasing consumption of potassium-rich fruit and vegetables, could both reduce blood pressure and delay the onset of osteoporosis.
Potassium helps reduce calcium loss and lowers blood pressure.
There is lots they can do. The government recently set out guidelines encouraging salt restriction. Health experts are working with food manufacturers to get them to reduce salt. The researchers measured bone density, rate of hip bone loss and blood pressure in 3,676 post-menopausal white women. The measurements were repeated three and a half years later.