SALT MYTHS BUSTED: THE TRUTH BEHIND DECADES OF MISINFORMATION

Yesterday, May 6, 2025, I was riding back from Wuse 2 in Abuja, settled into a Bolt ride around 4 p.m., when I tuned into Radio 94.7. The On-Air Personality (OAP) hosting a health talk was passionately dismissing what he called a clash between “fact and faith” regarding salt, boldly claiming it’s harmful to health. Yet, he offered no evidence—no studies, no data, not even a reference to back his stance. As a seasoned journalist and health advocate, I was appalled by this reckless spread of misinformation. The narrative that salt causes hypertension and strokes has been debunked by science and contradicted by medical practice, yet here was another Nigerian media figure perpetuating it. It’s time to expose the lies about salt with hard facts and call out the shoddy journalism plaguing Nigeria’s airwaves.

For years, we’ve been told salt is a dietary villain, linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. But consider this: in hospitals across Nigeria and beyond, doctors administer saline—a mix of salt and water—to treat dehydration, low blood pressure, and critical conditions. Sodium chloride tablets are prescribed for hyponatremia (low sodium levels), which can cause seizures or death if untreated. If salt is so dangerous, why is it a medical lifeline?

The anti-salt crusade began with flawed 1970s studies, like Lewis Dahl’s rat experiments, which used salt doses equivalent to a human consuming over 100 grams daily—unrealistic for any diet. The 1988 INTERSALT study, often cited to vilify salt, showed mixed results, with some high-salt-eating populations having low blood pressure. Yet, the low-salt dogma persisted, ignoring sodium’s essential role in the body.

Salt, or sodium chloride, is not just a flavor enhancer—it’s a biological necessity. 

Here are evidence-based facts:

Fluid Balance and Blood Pressure: Sodium regulates fluid in cells and vessels. A 2014 New England Journal of Medicine study found that 3–6 grams of sodium daily (7.5–15 grams of salt) was linked to the lowest cardiovascular risk. Too little sodium can cause hypotension, dizziness, or worse.

Nerve and Muscle Function: Sodium powers nerve signals and muscle contractions, including heartbeats. A 2011 The Lancet study warned that sodium intake below 2 grams/day increased heart attack and stroke risks in some groups.

Metabolic Benefits: Sodium supports insulin sensitivity and reduces stress hormones. A 2020 Nutrients study linked adequate salt to better thyroid function and metabolism.

Hyponatremia Prevention: Low sodium levels, often from restrictive diets, can be deadly. A 2015 American Journal of Medicine study noted hyponatremia as a common hospital admission, treated with sodium.

Cultural Evidence: The Maasai in Kenya consume 10–15 grams of sodium daily yet have low hypertension rates, per a 1993 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study. Lifestyle and genetics, not just salt, shape health.

Recent X posts cite a 2023 global study suggesting salt intake up to 5 grams/day (12.5 grams of salt) correlates with longer lifespans. While these posts aren’t peer-reviewed, they align with scientific reviews challenging low-salt guidelines.

The OAP’s baseless rant on Radio 94.7 is a symptom of Nigeria’s broken journalism. He framed salt as a health threat, waving off “faith” in its benefits without a single fact to support his claim. This isn’t journalism—it’s quackery. Nigeria’s media often hires untrained presenters who prioritize sensationalism over substance. The OAP ignored Nigeria’s own sodium policies, like the 2019 National Multi-sectoral Action Plan (NMSAP), which targets a balanced 3 grams/day of sodium by 2025, not its elimination. The 2023 Nigeria Sodium Study (NaSS) advocates for education and labeling, not fearmongering.

Our journalism fails because:

Unqualified Hosts: Many OAPs lack health or science training, spreading myths unchecked.

No Fact-Checking: Claims like the OAP’s go unverified, misleading listeners.

Sensationalism: Fearful narratives about salt or traditional diets (like Nigeria’s bouillon-rich cuisine) grab attention but lack nuance.

Ignoring Local Context: Nigeria’s dietary patterns deserve culturally informed reporting, not blanket vilification.

The salt lie isn’t alone. Cholesterol was blamed for heart disease until a 2016 Lancet study showed dietary cholesterol has little impact for most people. Saturated fats were demonized, but a 2020 Journal of the American College of Cardiology review found no clear link to heart issues. These reversals show how public health can cling to outdated narratives.

Scripture values salt. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls us “the salt of the earth,” symbolizing preservation and worth. Leviticus 2:13 requires salt in offerings, denoting purity. While not scientific, these verses affirm salt’s cultural significance, mirroring its biological role.

To the Radio 94.7 OAP: Retract your unfounded claims and study sodium’s role before speaking. To Nigerian media: Employ trained journalists and prioritize evidence over hype. To listeners: Question anti-salt narratives and seek dietitians for guidance. Nigeria’s NMSAP promotes moderation, not elimination, of salt.

Salt isn’t the villain; ignorance is. Let’s champion facts, hold journalists accountable, and reclaim the truth about our health.