126 | id == 126
126 | category_id == 15
126 | category_order == 11
126 | category_name == Diet
126 | category_color == #C47AC0
126 | slug == SLC4A5-salt-sensitivity
126 | title == Does This Gene Affect Salt Sensitivity and Blood Pressure? (SLC4A5)
126 | meta_description == SLC4A5 may be linked to salt sensitivity and high blood pressure. Find out who may be affected.
126 | summary == <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>The SLC4A5 gene helps regulate the body&rsquo;s sodium and pH levels. Certain genetic variants of SLC4A5 may disrupt this balance, potentially leading to salt sensitivity. Find out how this gene works, what salt sensitivity is, and who may be affected.</strong></p>
126 | overall_score_text == Your Salt Sensitivity Score (Based On SLC4A5 Gene)
126 | image == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/background/SLC4A5--Restrictions-Salt-Sensitivity.jpg
126 | author_id == 8
126 | author_name == Mathew Eng
126 | author_title == PharmD
126 | author_order == 40
126 | author_photo == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/author-photo/Mathew.jpg
126 | author_intro == <p><strong>Mathew received his PharmD from the University of Hawaii and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Washington.</strong></p>    <p>Mathew is a licensed pharmacist with clinical experience in oncology, infectious disease, and diabetes management. He has a passion for personalized patient care and believes that education is essential to living a healthy life. His goal is to motivate individuals to find ways to manage their chronic conditions.</p>
126 | reviewer == None
126 | medical_reviewer_id == 11
126 | medical_reviewer_name == Puya Yazdi
126 | medical_reviewer_title == MD
126 | publish_date == 2020
126 | publish_date == 3
126 | publish_date == 20
126 | avg_rating == 5.0
126 | tags_id == 172
126 | tags_name == Blood Pressure
126 | tags_id == 335
126 | tags_name == Hypertension
126 | tags_id == 333
126 | tags_name == Salt Sensitivity
126 | tags_id == 332
126 | tags_name == SLC4A5 Gene
126 | tags_id == 334
126 | tags_name == Sodium
126 | permissions_favorite == False
126 | permissions_rate == False
126 | content_article == <h2><strong>The <em>SLC4A5</em> Gene</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="../../gene/slc4a5/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">SLC4A5</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is responsible for producing a protein called electrogenic sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter 4, also known as </span><strong>NBCe2</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6175536/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This NBCe2 protein acts as a transporter that helps balance the body&rsquo;s pH and </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/is-salt-good-or-bad-the-science-on-the-health-effects-of-salt/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sodium</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (</span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/is-salt-good-or-bad-the-science-on-the-health-effects-of-salt/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">salt</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) levels [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6175536/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There&rsquo;s some evidence that certain variants of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">SLC4A5</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may alter the function of the NBC32 protein, leading to </span><strong>salt sensitivity</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895442/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22987918"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>What Is Salt Sensitivity?</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The body needs a certain amount of </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/is-salt-good-or-bad-the-science-on-the-health-effects-of-salt/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">salt</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (also known as </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/is-salt-good-or-bad-the-science-on-the-health-effects-of-salt/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sodium</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) to function properly. Salt plays essential roles in regulating blood pressure, blood volume, water balance, and pH balance [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520886/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, consuming too much salt can lead to several health issues, such as increasing the risk of developing high blood pressure [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520886/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interestingly, researchers are finding that dietary salt can affect individuals differently.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People who are salt sensitive will see larger increases in blood pressure in response to dietary salt compared to people who are less sensitive [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520886/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In contrast, individuals who are salt-insensitive or salt-resistant see little change in blood pressure in response to dietary salt, even when consuming large amounts [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520886/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several factors can affect salt sensitivity, but many studies suggest that genetics may play a significant role [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520886/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h2><strong>How Does <em>SLC4A5 </em>Affect Salt Sensitivity?</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research suggests that certain variants of the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">SLC4A5</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene may be linked to salt sensitivity and high blood pressure [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495588/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30105963"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, it&rsquo;s not completely clear exactly how these particular genetic variants lead to salt sensitivity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some researchers theorize that these variants may increase the amount of salt that the kidneys reabsorb from the urine. This means that more salt is retained in the body, which can increase blood pressure [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495588/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2766005/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>Who Is Affected?</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One study of 185 Caucasian individuals found that two SNPs in the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">SLC4A5</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene may be associated with salt sensitivity &mdash; </span><strong>rs7571842</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><strong>rs10177833</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495588/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">More specifically, the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele in both these SNPs was linked to significantly higher increases in blood pressure in response to salt intake compared to other alleles [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495588/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another study of 20 Caucasian adults also found that the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele in </span><strong>rs7571842</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is associated with salt sensitivity [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30105963"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, this second study suggests that those carrying the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele in </span><strong>rs10177833</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> tend to consume greater amounts of salt and that salt taste perception is linked to salt sensitivity [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30105963"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to a third study of almost 200 West African women, the &lsquo;C&rsquo; allele of </span><strong>rs8179526</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is linked to significantly higher systolic blood pressures [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21859746"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs7571842 and rs10177833 is linked to salt sensitivity, while the &lsquo;C&rsquo; allele of rs8179526 is associated with high blood pressure.</span></p> <h2><strong>Your <em>SLC4A5</em> Results for Salt Sensitivity</strong></h2> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can see your genotypes for SLC4A5 in the table below. However, keep in mind that these associations are based on studies from certain ethnic populations &mdash; so you should interpret your results with caution if you are not descended from one of these specific groups!</span></em></p> <p>*6392095351056752*</p> <h3><strong>SNP Summary and Table</strong></h3> <p><strong>Primary SNPs:&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>SLC4A5 rs7571842</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; = Not associated with salt sensitivity</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; = Associated with salt sensitivity</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This association has only been found in Caucasian populations</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">About 21% of people worldwide have the &lsquo;AA&rsquo; genotype&nbsp; (highest risk)</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>SLC4A5 rs10177833</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;C&rsquo; = Not associated with salt sensitivity</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; = Associated with salt sensitivity and higher salt intake</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This association has only been found in Caucasian populations</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">About 28% of people worldwide have the &lsquo;AA&rsquo; genotype (highest risk)</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>SLC4A5 rs8179526</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;T&rsquo; = Not associated with blood pressure</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;C&rsquo; = Associated with higher systolic blood pressures</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This association has only been found in West African women</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">About 41% of people worldwide have the &lsquo;CC&rsquo; genotype (highest risk)</span></li> </ul> <p>*8087239049871637*</p> <h3><strong>Population Frequencies</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">SLC4A5</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene the frequency of alleles can vary greatly depending on ethnicity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, the &lsquo;AA&rsquo; genotype of rs7571842 (which is associated with the highest risk of salt sensitivity) is found in about 12% of East Asians, 29% of Europeans, and 44% of South Asians.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The &lsquo;AA&rsquo; genotype of rs10177833 follows a very similar trend &mdash; the frequency is lowest in East Asians, higher in Europeans, and highest in South Asians.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For rs8179526, the &lsquo;CC&rsquo; genotype is present in about 49% of East Asians, 28% of Europeans, and 63% of South Asians.</span></p> <h2><strong>Recommendations to Improve Salt Sensitivity</strong></h2> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you believe you may have issues with your sodium levels or blood pressure, always speak with your doctor first. Certain conditions may require medical treatment.</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, talk to your doctor before implementing any of the following strategies. There may be unexpected interactions with your current medications or health conditions.&nbsp;</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">None of these recommendations should ever be used to replace any of the treatments or medications that your doctor gives you.</span></em></p> <p>*7387592185274283*</p> <h3><strong>Lifestyle</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Exercise Regularly</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A number of studies show that </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/top-14-proven-health-benefits-exercise-references-mechanisms/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">regular physical activity</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a great way to improve salt sensitivity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, one study of nearly 2,000 Chinese individuals found that participants who had little to no daily exercise had blood pressure elevations that were almost double the values seen in those that get regular physical activity [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3530366/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another study of 31 older adults with high blood pressure found that, after 6 months of aerobic exercise training, the number of salt-resistant individuals increased by about 26% [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16484991"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How does exercise help?&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers believe that physical activity may improve salt sensitivity through several mechanisms, including reduced </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/insulin-101/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">insulin</span></a><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/top-tips-for-fixing-insulin-resistance/"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> resistance</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, improved </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/endothelins/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">blood vessel function</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3530366/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, when you sweat as a result of exercise, you can excrete a decent amount of salt. This is why people in marathons consume salt tablets or salty foods.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Besides beneficial effects on salt sensitivity, research shows that regular exercise has significant benefits to heart health and overall </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/lifestyle-diet-increase-longevity/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">longevity</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30115967"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23063021"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>Diet</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Controlling Salt In The Diet</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unsurprisingly, reducing the amount of </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/is-salt-good-or-bad-the-science-on-the-health-effects-of-salt/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">salt</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the diet is one of the best ways to improve salt sensitivity and control blood pressure [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520886/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Individuals who are salt sensitive need to pay close attention to the salt content of the foods that they eat.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some foods that are typically guilty of having high amounts of salt include [</span><a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15426-sodium-controlled-diet"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deli meats</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Canned soups</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Frozen meals</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pizza</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Breads and sandwiches</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How much salt should be in the diet?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Generally speaking, adults should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium each day [</span><a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ideally, this limit should be closer to 1,500 mg of sodium each day as studies show that this lower limit has even more health benefits [</span><a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, if your blood pressure is relatively lower (under 110/70), then you may want to consume more salt than these recommendations [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2888469/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One common diet approach for those with high blood pressure is the DASH diet, which is short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The DASH diet was developed to help lower blood pressure without the need for medications. It emphasizes the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy foods [</span><a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/dash-eating-plan"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The DASH diet is also an important component of the </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/mind-diet/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">MIND diet</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which is designed to support brain health and general wellness [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26086182"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p>
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126 | content_learn_more_8087239049871637_text == Based on the variants we looked at, your SLC4A5 genotype is somewhat associated with salt sensitivity and high blood pressure. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect your overall salt sensitivity  — just one gene related to it. Lifestyle and diet changes may help. Keep scrolling to find out more.
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rsIDs = rs10177833,rs7571842,rs8179526
rsStatus = rs10177833,SLC4A5,chr2,74230591,A,C,T,,6,38,HET
rsStatus = rs7571842,SLC4A5,chr2,74233777,A,G,T,,4,22,HET
rsStatus = rs8179526,SLC4A5,chr2,74242652,C,T,,,4,27,HET
