How the diets react
Diet Ratings
Salt contains zero carbs, zero calories, and zero sugar. Essential for electrolyte balance on keto. No restrictions.
Mineral-derived seasoning with no animal products. Vegan-compliant regardless of source (sea salt or rock salt).
Added salt is explicitly excluded from paleo diet guidelines. Paleolithic humans obtained sodium from whole foods, not refined salt. Modern paleo emphasizes whole-food sodium sources.
Salt is acceptable in Mediterranean diet but should be used minimally. Mediterranean cuisine emphasizes herbs and spices for flavor rather than salt. Excessive sodium contradicts health principles of the diet.
Mineral salt (sodium chloride). Essential electrolyte for carnivore diet. Explicitly included in Lion Diet and all carnivore protocols. Universally approved and recommended.
Pure mineral with no excluded ingredients. Whole30 explicitly allows salt as a seasoning.
Salt (sodium chloride) contains no fermentable carbohydrates and is not a FODMAP. It is universally approved on the low-FODMAP diet.
Pure sodium chloride. DASH explicitly limits sodium to <2,300mg/day (standard) or <1,500mg/day (low-sodium). Salt is the primary dietary sodium source. Must be minimized or eliminated.
Salt has zero macronutrient impact. Zone diet does not restrict sodium for healthy individuals. Use to taste without concern for macronutrient ratios. Supports flavor and meal palatability.
Salt itself is neutral, but excessive sodium intake promotes inflammation and hypertension. Anti-inflammatory diet recommends moderate salt use. Acceptable in small amounts for flavor; problematic in excess.
Zero calories but high sodium can worsen water retention and bloating—common GLP-1 side effects. Excessive salt intake may increase nausea perception. Use in moderation; prioritize flavor from herbs and spices instead. Electrolyte balance is important during rapid weight loss.
Controversy Index
Score range: 1–10/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.