I agree with your underlying sentiment, but this blood volume hypothesis is not supported by evidence. Instead, current research indicates that high blood pres

I agree with your underlying sentiment, but this blood volume hypothesis is not supported by evidence. Instead, current research indicates that high blood pressure after excess sodium intake may be caused by activation of the sympathetic nervous system, secondary to increased sodium loading on ion channels. I remember it was in a relatively recent paper. This mechanism might help explain why sodium hasn't consistently been shown to have an adverse effect in humans while at the same time still being strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Come to think of it, it's also a good explanation for why cultures in temperate climates tend to start their day with a hearty (salty) meal ;) I would also like to point out, since above a comment was made about glutamate containing "a shitload" of sodium, that the actual sodium content of MSG is only around 13% by weight, compared to table salt where it's nearly 40%.