Salt Awareness Week: PKD Charity Joins Call for Government Action on Salt
Let's Talk Salt!
This Salt Awareness Week (12–18 May), we’re supporting Action on Salt’s 2025 campaign: 6 Ways to 6 Grams. The aim is simple – raise awareness about the dangers of too much salt and help people reduce their intake to the recommended daily limit of 6 grams.
On average, people in the UK consume 8.4g of salt a day – that's over a third more than the recommended daily maximum of 6g. High salt intake raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage.
Most of the salt we eat isn’t what we add at the table – it’s already in processed foods like bread, sauces, ready meals, and snacks.
Speaking Up for Change
As part of this year’s campaign, we’ve joined more than 30 public health charities and experts in signing Action on Salt’s open letter to the UK government. The letter urges Parliamentary Under-Secretary Ashley Dalton MP to make salt reduction a national health priority once again—and to replace ineffective voluntary measures with strong legislation.
A new report from Action on Salt highlights just how urgently this is needed. After analysing over 1,500 ready meals from 11 major retailers, it found:
- 56% contain excessive levels of salt
- 42% are high in saturated fat
- 71% are low in fibre
These nutritionally poor meals are putting people at greater risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke—and for those with chronic conditions like PKD, even faster kidney decline. The government’s previous voluntary scheme has failed. It’s time for action that holds the food industry accountable and prioritises public health.
Our CEO, Alison Taylor, has added her name in support because salt reduction isn’t just about individual choices—it’s a proven, cost-effective public health strategy.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), closely linked to excess salt, is one of the UK’s biggest killers, responsible for one death every four minutes in England and costing the NHS £10 billion annually.
A Proven Solution
Between 2003 and 2011, public health-led salt reduction efforts cut average intake by 15%—and deaths from CVD declined. But progress has stalled. Without stronger policies, the UK faces £54 billion in avoidable health and economic costs by 2029.
That’s why we support the call for:
- Mandatory salt reduction targets
- Regular progress reviews
- Financial penalties for non-compliance
Salt and PKD: Why Less Is More
If you’re living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a low salt diet is critical. Whether you’re in the early stages of the disease or further along, it’s never too soon to make a change.
PKD causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys, gradually reducing kidney function. Too much salt causes the body to hold onto water, raising blood pressure and putting even more strain on kidneys that are already under pressure.
High blood pressure can also occur in children with the condition, so it’s important to manage salt intake from an early age. A new study – HIYA-PKD – has just been launched to investigate how common high blood pressure is in children living with PKD.
6 Easy Ways to Shake Your Salt Habit
Here are a few simple ways to start:
- Choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of processed ones
- Cook meals from scratch where possible
- Use herbs, garlic, lemon juice, or spices to add flavour instead of salt
- Check food labels and go for “low-salt” or “no added salt” options
- Avoid salty snacks like crisps, salted nuts, and processed meats
- Don’t add salt at the table – over time your taste buds will adjust
Want to know how to ensure your food packs a flavoursome punch without relying on salt?
Renal Dietitian Fiona Hunter shares practical tips in our Shake Your Salt Habit! Q&A – available to watch again here!
View Action on Salt’s open letter to the UK government
View Action on Salt's Ready Meal report
If you would like to speak to us about what support we can offer you or a loved one, please visit PKD Support or contact us today and speak to a member of our team.
Research, PKD, Diet, Guidelines, salt
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