High-Salt Diet and Intestinal Microbiota: Influence on Cardiovascular Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Simple Summary Salt, or sodium chloride, is a crucial component of a balanced diet. However, an excessive consumption of salt can lead to a range of adverse health effects that are often overlooked. Salt enters the body's digestive system through the ingestion of everyday foods and exerts an effect on a key component of the digestive system, namely the intestinal microbiota. Some studies have indicated that alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota may influence the functioning of the human body. This paper presents a review of the effects of a high-salt diet on the gut microbiome and, in turn, on the development of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, it synthesizes recent research on the effects of high-salt diets on the gut microbiome and the gut immune system. This further elucidates the mechanisms through which a high-salt diet affects the gut microbiome and associated diseases.Abstract Salt, or sodium chloride, is an essential component of the human diet. Recent studies have demonstrated that dietary patterns characterized by a high intake of salt can influence the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota, and may play a pivotal role in the etiology and exacerbation of certain diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this review is to synthesize the effects of elevated salt consumption on the gut microbiota, including its influence on gut microbial metabolites and the gut immune system. Additionally, this review will investigate the potential implications of these effects for the development of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The findings of this study offer novel insights and avenues for the management of two common conditions with significant clinical implications.