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Klotho deficiency: The missing link between salt and hypertension
Have you ever wondered why your doctor tells you to eat less salt to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range?
For decades, it was believed to have something to do with your kidneys, but both doctors and researchers weren’t sure exactly what the connection was, leaving patients to begrudgingly ditch the salt (and likely take multiple medications) to combat high blood pressure.
Now, however, thanks to a ground-breaking study from scientists at Shinshu University, we finally know exactly why a salty diet and high blood pressure go hand in hand, as well as what can be done to help.
The anti-aging factor produced by your kidneys
The scientists at the center of the research were aware of one important factor that started them on the trail to the truth…
And that was this: In general, young people are less sensitive to salt and are unlikely to develop hypertension, whereas older people react worse to high sodium intake and are likely to develop hypertension.
So, the team used aging mice with that same higher salt sensitivity to get to the root of the problem.
And, it all came down to this.
The reason salt becomes a vehicle of hypertension as we age is that over time, our kidneys slow production of an anti-aging factor known as Klotho protein.
It’s a protein that plays a role in longevity, helps your muscles regenerate and helps to keep insulin in check.
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Low levels have already been linked to cognitive deficits and heart disease.
Now, the Shinshu scientists have found that those same low levels are also the answer to why eating a high-salt diet leads to high blood pressure since their results showed that Klotho deficiency combined with salt leads to vasoconstriction.
In other words, if you don’t have enough Klotho protein floating around and you eat too much salt, your blood vessels constrict, becoming tighter and tighter and causing your heart to pump harder and harder.
Boosting Klotho levels
The study also had some good news…
In addition to discovering the why behind the salt/hypertension connection, the researchers also found that Klotho supplementation could help prevent the development of hypertension. Of course, their next step is to test this in humans.
But in the meantime, raising your Klotho levels could help support your body’s Klotho levels and expression for healthy aging.
There are some Klotho-supporting supplements floating around, and a few other ways to support the protein naturally, including:
- Exercise — Studies show that Klotho levels increase following exercise.
- Vitamin D: This valuable vitamin is crucial for Klotho expression, while deficiencies can lower it. Supplementation can improve Klotho in older adults.
- Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Eating more antioxidant-rich foods, particularly leafy green vegetables (like spinach), can raise Klotho levels. Compounds such as curcumin show promise for increasing Klotho expression.
- Nuts: Regular nut consumption is positively associated with higher Klotho concentrations in adults.
- Other nutrients that can raise klotho levels in older adults include dietary fiber, folate, copper and vitamin C.
- The Mediterranean diet, when strongly followed, is also linked to higher Klotho levels.
Just as important, be sure to avoid things that can lower klotho, like stress, poor sleep, alcohol consumption, inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Sources:
High blood pressure and salt, anti-aging factor Klotho key — EurekAlert!
High-intensity physical exercise increases serum α-klotho levels in healthy volunteers — NCBI
Treating Systemic Klotho Deficiency — American Journal of Nephrology
Life extension factor klotho enhances cognition — NCBI
Skeletal muscle as a regulator of the longevity protein, Klotho —– Frontiers in Physiology
Association between a functional variant of the KLOTHO gene and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, stroke, and longevity — National Library of Medicine
Individual nutrients and serum klotho levels in adults aged 40–79 years — Wiley Library
FAQ: Klotho, Salt and Blood Pressure
What is Klotho?
Klotho is a protein often called a “longevity protein” because it helps regulate processes tied to healthy aging, including blood vessel function, inflammation, oxidative stress and kidney health. Levels tend to decline with age, which may be one reason certain age-related health problems become more common over time.
How is Klotho connected to high blood pressure?
Klotho appears to help blood vessels respond normally to salt. When Klotho levels are low, a high-salt diet may make blood vessels tighten or constrict, forcing the heart to pump harder and increasing blood pressure.
Why does salt affect some people’s blood pressure more than others?
Some people are salt sensitive, meaning their blood pressure rises more easily when they eat too much sodium. Salt sensitivity becomes more common with age, and researchers believe declining Klotho levels may be one reason older adults are more vulnerable to salt-related blood pressure increases.
Can you increase Klotho naturally?
Exercise is one of the best-studied ways to support healthy Klotho levels, especially cardiorespiratory activity. Other lifestyle habits that help protect blood vessels — such as reducing excess sodium, managing inflammation, eating a nutrient-rich diet and getting enough sleep — may also support healthier Klotho activity.
Is there a Klotho supplement for blood pressure?
Klotho-based treatments are still being studied and are not currently an established therapy for high blood pressure. For now, the safest approach is to support Klotho naturally while continuing proven blood pressure strategies, including following your doctor’s guidance, staying active and limiting excess sodium.
By Dr. Adria Schmedthorst
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