The Chief Executive Officer of PIWAK Natural Health, Dr. Prince Nelson Motorti, has emphasized the critical importance of reducing salt intake as a pivotal strategy in managing and preventing hypertension among Ghanaians.
Speaking to the Punch Newspaper, Dr. Motorti highlighted that excessive consumption of salty foods significantly contributes to the rising incidence of hypertension in Ghana, underscoring the health risks associated with high salt diets.
Dr. Motorti pointed out that hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks and strokes, is exacerbated by diets high in salt.
According to recent studies, reducing salt intake can lead to substantial declines in blood pressure; for instance, decreasing sodium consumption by just one teaspoon a day can lower systolic blood pressure by approximately six millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), comparable to the effect of common first-line blood pressure medications .
While attributing the surge in hypertension cases to multiple factors, Dr. Motorti stressed that dietary habits, particularly the high consumption of salty foods, play a significant contributory role. “Too much salty food poses danger to human health,” he cautioned, urging Ghanaians to be mindful of their salt intake, especially as they age.
Dr. Motorti appealed to Ghanaians, particularly those diagnosed with hypertension, to incorporate PIWAK’s 3P garlic mixture into their health regimen.
“Our product can help normalize hypertension levels,” he stated, positioning the natural health product as a complementary approach to dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes aimed at managing blood pressure.
Global health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg/day (equivalent to less than 5 g/day of salt), with the American Heart Association suggesting an ideal limit of 1,500 mg/day for most adults .
Studies indicate salt reduction can prevent millions of cardiovascular events globally; estimates suggest cutting average daily salt intake by one gram could avert approximately 6,000 stroke and heart attack deaths annually in the UK alone .
Dr Motorti advocates for reading food labels, cooking with herbs/spices instead of salt, limiting processed foods, and choosing low-sodium options to reduce intake .
Dr. Motorti’s advice aligns with broader public health messages emphasizing dietary modifications as cornerstone interventions against hypertension. “Reducing salt intake is one of the most cost-effective measures to improve health and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases,” notes WHO, highlighting its potential for significant population health benefits .
As Ghana grapples with increasing hypertension prevalence, Dr. Motorti’s counsel underscores the imperative of awareness and proactive lifestyle adjustments, including moderating salt consumption and exploring complementary natural health products like PIWAK’s 3P garlic mixture, to mitigate associated health risks.
