NHS urges residents across mid and south Essex to cut out excess salt and turn the tables on ‘silent killer’

David cutting the vegetables he has grown in his garden

Innocent-looking salt shakers on family dinner tables across Essex might be a silent threat to health.

While sodium is essential for bodily functions, too much salt could potentially set the stage for hypertension, heart disease and strokes. Research consistently shows that excessive salt intake can result in dangerous pressure on your arterial walls, yet many of us remain unaware of just how much salt is hiding in our favourite foods

The NHS in mid and south Essex is calling on residents to take stock of their salt intake to help reduce their risk of high blood pressure – a condition often called the ‘silent killer’ because it typically has no symptoms.

NHS Mid and South Essex is supporting Salt Awareness Week (12-18 May) by raising awareness about the high levels of salt in our everyday foods and the health risks that excess salt can have on our hearts, as part of its Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger campaign:

Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger campaign

In the UK, adults on average consume just over 8g of salt a day, 2g more than the recommended daily salt limit. This excess salt, which often comes from everyday foods such as bread, breakfast cereals, meat products and ready meals, can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension).

Around 88,000 people in mid and south Essex have undiagnosed high blood pressure. This ‘silent killer’ frequently has no symptoms, putting people at increased risk of serious long-term illnesses including heart attacks, strokes and vascular dementia.

Local resident’s health transformation

Seventy-six-year-old David from Castle Point saw his blood pressure levels and overall health improve significantly after changing his diet which reduced his salt intake. Following a recent hospital check-up, his high blood pressure stabilised, he lost two stone in weight and four inches off his waist.

“When my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago, I became her full-time carer. Taking care of my wife was very important and it took over my life. I didn’t realise the impact that it had on my health until she started living in a nursing home where she could get the support and care she needs.

“My old diet was made up of a lot of processed foods, English breakfasts and too much dairy. I’ve always cooked so now I batch cook healthier options like curries and stir fries. My breakfast is mostly fresh fruits and yoghurt, and I drink more water too.

“I also aim to walk about 8-10km a day and tend to walk to the nursing home to visit my wife every day. Since walking more, my mind is clearer.”

– David Overfield, Castle Point resident

Expert advice on reducing salt intake

“Having too much salt can increase the risk of developing serious long-term conditions such as heart disease or stroke. There are steps you can take to reduce your salt intake, such as using less salt during cooking or a lower sodium alternative (be cautious with salt substitutes if you have kidney issues).

“A lot of salt is also found in ultra-processed foods and snacks including ready meals, bread, crisps, breakfast cereals and soups. Most of these use a ‘traffic light’ system on their packaging, highlighting in green, amber or red if they are lower or higher in salt. Reading these labels before you buy can help you to identify which foods are better for your health.”

– Neil Magee, advanced nurse practitioner and system clinical lead for cardiovascular health at NHS Mid and South Essex

Free NHS blood pressure checks available

Residents over 40 years old can have a free NHS blood pressure check at local pharmacies across mid and south Essex without an appointment. It’s important to have regular checks, particularly if you are: