Higher sodium intake should not be used as a treatment for lightheadedness, say researchers challenging current guidelines for sodium consumption.
Lightheadedness while standing, known as postural lightheadedness, results from gravitational drop in blood pressure and is common among adults.
Greater sodium intake is widely viewed as an intervention for preventing lightheadedness when moving from seated to standing positions. However, contrary to this recommendation, researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre (BIDMC) found that higher sodium intake, actually increases dizziness.
“Our study has clinical and research implications,” said Stephen Juraschek, researcher from BIDMC in Boston. Our results serve to caution health practitioners against recommending increased sodium intake as a universal treatment for lightheadedness”. (IANS)
