The Health Risks of a Low-Salt Diet and How to Use Salt the Right Way

Understanding what salt actually does in the body can help you make smarter choices about how much you need.
The Health Risks of a Low-Salt Diet and How to Use Salt the Right Way
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For decades, reducing salt intake has been promoted as a cornerstone of healthy living. Many opt for a low-sodium diet and cook with only a pinch of salt. However, salt isn’t just a seasoning—it’s an essential mineral the body relies on to maintain both physiological and energetic balance.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), salt helps nourish the Kidney system and support other organ systems. Salt also provides yang qi or energy—the warm, activating energy that powers metabolism, circulation, and digestion. When salt intake is too low, it can lead to Spleen, Kidney, and Heart deficiency.
Kuo-Pin Wu
Kuo-Pin Wu
Kuo-Pin Wu has practiced traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for nearly 20 years. Formerly a structural engineer with a master’s degree from a renowned university, he later earned a doctor of medicine degree in TCM. Leveraging his engineering background in logical analysis, he specializes in identifying patterns to diagnose and treat complex diseases. Wu is currently the director of XinYiTang Clinic in Taiwan.