Question about "No-Salt" (potassium chloride)? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

jcmed · 05-11-2004, 01:10 AM

Can "No-Salt" salt alternative be used saftely with high blood pressure and diabetes? This stuff is so strong and so salty tasting I have to wonder if it's bad for you? What are the Pro's & Con's of using this salt alternative?
Thanks,
JC

zuzu8 · 05-11-2004, 01:59 AM

JC,

Potassium chloride as an alternative to salt is okay..BUT...(and this is very important)... it is potentially dangerous in patients with renal dysfunction or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics.
A lot of people find the taste so odd anyway that they prefer to abandon salt-
flavoured additives altogether!

I've always found that the safest and best substitutes for salt include acids (e.g. vinegar, lemon, lime, and other fruit juices), curry spices, garlic, onion powder, or even better real onion... and any kind of tasty herb you may love.

zuzu xx

jtu91952 · 05-11-2004, 12:22 PM

I've read on the pi that some bp meds you are not to use potassium or salt substitutes. My dr also told me not to use them.

jtu91952 · 05-11-2004, 12:22 PM

I've read on the pi that some bp meds you are not to use potassium or salt substitutes. My dr also told me not to use them.

BabyCatcher · 05-11-2004, 05:31 PM

Yes, unless you have a concurrent cardiac rhythm disturbance, or are on a potassium sparing diuretic like spironolactone. There are other drugs that contraindicate using additional potassium, but at the moment, I can't remember if it's a CCB or an ACE inhibitor that you can't use that stuff with! (and too tired to look it up....) I bet Zuzu or Zip would know.