7.5 Grams of Salt in One Bowl: Al-Nimr Warns Broth May Raise Blood Pressure and Lead to Stroke

2026-07-04T13:23:22.624Z

Consultant cardiologist and arterial catheterization Dr. Khaled Al-Nimr warned of the danger of consuming highly salty broth for patients with high blood pressure, the elderly, and patients with kidney and heart disease, stating that one bowl may contain about 7.5 grams of salt, which may raise systolic blood pressure by more than 10 mm Hg in approximately half of hypertensive patients.

Consultant cardiologist and arterial catheterization Dr. Khaled Al-Nimr warned of the serious health risks associated with consuming highly salty broth, revealing that he has received more than one case of patients who suffered from acute high blood pressure followed by severe headache, which in some cases led to a stroke.

Dr. Al-Nimr explained with numbers that medical recommendations set the maximum salt intake at 5 grams per day, while one bowl of commercial broth may contain about 7.5 grams of salt, noting that the liquid nature of broth accelerates the absorption of sodium into the bloodstream.

He added that about 50% of hypertensive patients are classified as salt-sensitive, and they may experience an increase in systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more within hours of consuming high amounts of sodium.

Dr. Al-Nimr issued a special warning to patients with high blood pressure, the elderly, and those suffering from kidney or heart disease, urging them to be cautious about excessive consumption of broth despite its pleasant taste.

He recommended replacing commercial broth with a homemade alternative made from natural spices such as cumin, coriander, garlic, and lemon, considering it an acceptable healthy option that maintains flavor without harming health.