(David Railton/ Medical News Today) — New data suggest that high salt consumption may prove fatal to certain gut bacteria, and that this could contribute to high blood pressure and diseases affecting the immune system.
Scientists are already aware of a link between high blood pressure and a diet high in salt.
High-salt diets may also speed up the progression of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
A new study proposes a mechanism that may be behind this association.
The research was led by scientists from the Experimental and Clinical Research Center and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany.
A type of gut bacteria called Lactobacillus, found in some fermented foods — such as sauerkraut, yogurt, and cheese — are considered “good” bacteria; they are thought to offer protection against certain diseases. (…)