Experts, in a global analysis, have suggested that drinking water itself could be an overlooked source of salt and one that may quietly raise blood pressure for millions of people worldwide. They found that people exposed to higher salt concentrations in their drinking water had, on average, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those exposed to lower salt concentrations in their drinking water. Specifically, systolic blood pressure was approximately 3.2 mm Hg higher, whereas diastolic blood pressure was nearly 2.8 mm Hg higher. Still, along coastlines, it most commonly occurs by saltwater intrusion into groundwater systems, which make up nearly half of the world’s drinking water supply. Taken together, these findings underscore the importance of looking beyond individual behaviours when addressing the risk of high blood pressure.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 03, 2026 17:21 UTC