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Re-activateI'm trying to cut back on salt. Is it worth trying a salt substitute? —R.T., Albuquerque, N.M.
Possibly, but not all of them are safe for everyone. Products like No Salt Original and Nu-Salt contain potassium chloride rather than sodium chloride. Potassium can help lower blood pressure and may reduce the risk of strokes and heartbeat abnormalities. But most Americans get plenty of the mineral from foods including bananas, kiwis, milk, nuts, and yogurt. And extra potassium can be dangerous for people who have kidney disease or take certain drugs for heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver disease. They should talk with a doctor before using a salt substitute.
Even when salt substitutes are safe, a 2008 Consumer Reports test found that those with potassium chloride had a bitter or metallic taste. So you might instead try to cut back on salt by adding herbs and spices to food.
See our 12 tips for cutting back on salt, test your salt smarts with our sodium quiz, and learn more on the distinction between salt and sodium.
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