Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 130/80 mm Hg, with some individuals experiencing elevated blood pressure that does not yet meet the criteria for hypertension. This information is relevant to both scenarios. As a general rule, the higher your blood pressure, the more cautious you should be.

Historically, much of the medical community has advocated for low salt diets, as sodium has been linked to increased blood pressure. Consequently, consuming products with higher sodium levels, like Salt of the Earth, may seem counterintuitive to those in the healthcare field.

However, perceptions are shifting. Just as the views on saturated fats, eggs, and butter have evolved, so too are opinions on salt. Emerging research and leading scientific voices are challenging the old paradigms, suggesting that the narrative around salt needs reconsideration. Some experts now argue that low salt diets could actually be detrimental, raising blood pressure instead of lowering it, adding to the complexity of the issue.

While we do not provide medical advice, here is a simplified interpretation based on insights from experts like Dr. Richard Johnson and others:

1. Approximately 75% of the population is not salt-sensitive, meaning higher sodium intake does not necessarily elevate their blood pressure.
2. Sodium consumed with adequate water—as is typical during hydration—may be safer than sodium consumed with food.
3. When you exercise, you lose essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which need to be replenished regardless of blood pressure levels.
4. Individuals on low-carb diets, those who practice intermittent fasting, or engage in regular exercise may require more electrolytes, particularly sodium. This includes those with higher blood pressure.

For those considering using Salt of the Earth, especially if you have higher blood pressure, here are some cautious guidelines:

1. Reserve Salt of the Earth for exercise periods rather than as a daily beverage until you confirm it doesn't negatively affect your blood pressure.
2. Dilute the product more than usual—suggesting one sachet per liter of water instead of the standard 750 ml.
3. Divide one sachet into two 500 ml portions and consume only one portion per day.
4. Sip slowly to moderate intake.
5. Monitor your blood pressure regularly to observe any changes when using Salt of the Earth and compare it to non-usage days.
6. Pay attention to how you feel overall.
7. Manage your total daily sodium intake, particularly on days you consume Salt of the Earth.

Finally, research indicates that an optimal sodium intake might be around 5 grams per day, even for those at cardiovascular risk. This level is often not met by many, even with the inclusion of a product like Salt of the Earth, which contains 1 gram of sodium per sachet.

We hope this information helps you make informed decisions about using Salt of the Earth in a way that suits your health needs and lifestyle.