Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of LoveWorld Ministries, has sparked controversy with a bold statement claiming many people have suffered strokes and other illnesses because they followed doctors’ advice to avoid salt. His comment—“You need salt”—has gone viral, stirring debate among medical professionals, churchgoers, and the public…..CONTINUE READING
But what does science really say about salt and health?
Salt is essential for human health. It helps regulate fluid balance, supports nerve function, and assists muscle contractions. However, the keyword here is moderation. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no more than 5 grams of salt per day, yet many people consume twice or even three times that amount through processed foods, snacks, and table salt.
According to the American Heart Association, high salt intake is one of the main drivers of high blood pressure, which significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. Studies show that lowering salt intake can drastically reduce these risks, especially in older adults or people with underlying conditions.
Completely removing salt from the diet is not standard medical advice. Most doctors recommend reducing salt intake—not eliminating it entirely—unless there’s a specific medical condition involved.
Hyponatremia, a condition caused by dangerously low sodium levels, is rare and usually happens due to excessive water intake, certain medications, or chronic illnesses. It’s not common among people who simply follow a low-salt diet under medical guidance.
While spiritual leaders often speak on health matters, undermining medical advice can be harmful. Encouraging people to ignore doctors’ instructions—especially in a country like Nigeria where hypertension is a major health concern—could lead to more strokes and preventable deaths, not fewer.
Salt is necessary for the body, but too much is harmful. If you’re concerned about your salt intake, it’s best to speak to a qualified doctor rather than relying solely on non-medical opinions—no matter how influential the speaker may be.
