Salt Awareness Week 2026: Making the “Salt Shift” for Better Health

 

Salt Awareness Week 2026: Making the “Salt Shift” for Better Health

By Khanyiswa Mdladlamba

During a recent interview on Backchat at Bush Radio, nutrition expert Ms. Shonisani Naphalama highlighted the urgent need for South Africans to reduce excessive salt consumption as part of Salt Awareness Week 2026.

Observed globally from 11–17 May, Salt Awareness Week is led by the World Action on Salt, Sugar and Health to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive sodium intake and encourage healthier dietary habits.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa has joined the global movement through its campaign theme, “Make the Salt Shift: Drop Salt for Better Health.”

According to health experts, South Africans are consuming significantly more salt than the recommended daily amount. The World Health Organization advises adults to consume less than 5 grams of salt per day   approximately one teaspoon. However, many South Africans consume between 9 and 12 grams daily, often without realizing it.

This excessive salt intake is strongly linked to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. Alarmingly, many individuals believe their salt intake is within healthy limits, despite regularly consuming hidden salt found in processed and packaged foods.

A major concern raised during the interview was the amount of “hidden salt” in commonly consumed foods. Many processed products   including snacks, processed meats, instant meals, sauces, and takeaways  contain high levels of sodium.

Unlike the salt added during cooking, hidden salt often goes unnoticed, making it easy for people to exceed safe intake levels.

Listeners were encouraged to adopt simple but effective strategies to reduce daily salt consumption, including:

• Reading food labels carefully and choosing lower-sodium options

• Reducing intake of processed and packaged foods

• Removing the salt shaker from the dining table

• Cooking with natural flavor enhancers such as:

  • Garlic

  • Ginger

  • Chili

  • Lemon

  • Herbs and spices without added salt

The discussion also explored potassium-based salt substitutes as an alternative to regular sodium salt. These products provide a similar taste while helping reduce sodium intake.

However, individuals with kidney disease, heart conditions, or those taking ACE inhibitors were advised to consult healthcare professionals before using potassium salt substitutes.

The interview emphasized that reducing salt consumption is not only an individual responsibility but also requires support from government and the food industry.

Health advocates are calling for:

• Stronger regulation of sodium levels in processed foods

• Greater public education around hidden salt

• Increased affordability and accessibility of healthier salt alternatives

• Supportive policies that encourage healthier food production

Currently, potassium-based salt substitutes remain significantly more expensive than regular salt, making them inaccessible to many low-income households.

Another important point discussed was the misconception that products such as Himalayan salt or sea salt are automatically healthier than regular table salt.

While these products may contain trace minerals, they generally contain similar amounts of sodium and can still contribute to high blood pressure if consumed excessively.

Experts therefore recommend focusing on overall sodium reduction rather than switching to expensive specialty salts.

Salt Awareness Week serves as an important reminder that small daily changes can have a major impact on long-term health. By becoming more aware of hidden salt in foods and making healthier dietary choices, South Africans can reduce the risk of hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.

For more information and updates on Salt Awareness Week initiatives, visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.