I’m on a diuretic for my blood pressure, I know that can remove some of the sodium in my body. I have no idea if I am salt sensitive or not though, or if it even matters.
Alas, no. AFAIK, there is no agreed upon test (at least one routinely used/available); nor for that matter is there even a consensus for the definition of what constitutes so-called “salt-sensitivity”. And, not everyone even agrees that “salt-sensitivity” exists.
What you’re getting at is a Holy Grail of hypertension research. Look here for an example of the state of things (not because it’s a terribly important article but, rather, because the introduction summarizes some of the problem. And, the implication is that we better start looking for genetic tests because ‘traditional’ tests don’t cut it).
Why wouldn’t measurements of salt excretion (over creatinine or over 24 hour collection) after defined 24 hour salt loads work? Not practical perhaps, but would it work?
Indeed, that type of test is, and has been, used. Problem is that it’s not practical to implement on large scale. Not only is it labour and time intensive (and expensive), but it requires a lot of controls (e.g. standardized intake not just of salt but other nutrients/elements since they, too, affect salt excretion, posture (supine vs upright), medications (obviously), comorbidities, etc.). And, even then, it’s not totally clear how to interpret the results or know what they actually mean vis a vis BP and CV risk in the real world.
My doctor claims that excess salt is hard on the kidneys. I assume he knows something to back up this claim. I have gotten used to never adding salt at the table, with a few exceptions. (Soup based on stock I have made with no salt in it, eggs that I really don’t enjoy without salt.) When I make bread, I automatically halve the salt in the recipe and so on. And I use a lot of pepper.
I’ve used the half and half salt that is a mix of sodium and potassium. Other people I know claim Ms Dash spices work well as a salt substitute.
On an unrelated note what are the effects of high sodium on those who are vs aren’t sodium sensitive? I thought reducing sodium only took 5 points or so off your BP. Does that mean that 70%+ do not see a reduction in BP from reducing salt but the other 30% see a 5 point reduction, or do that 30% see a higher than 5 point reduction but because most people see no improvement it averages out to about 5 points.
Looking it up, this says only 10-20% of people are salt sensitive.
http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/why-salt-makes-blood-pressure-rise-new-study
FWIW, I know my blood pressure is extremely stress sensitive (chronic and acute stress both affect my BP strongly but in different ways). I also get tons of benefits and side effects from both alpha and beta blockers (which is why I can’t take either). I wonder if my body is just hyper sensitive to the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline.