High sodium and low-potassium diets can increase the risk of an early death, according to new research.

A study by medical professionals from CDC Emory University and Harvard University confirmed the findings.

They discovered that that consuming too much salt and not enough potassium increases the likelihood of death from all causes.

According to Medical News Today, the team came to their conclusion by recording the effects of varying levels of salt and potassium intake on 12,000 individuals over 15 years.

In results which might be highly interesting to those in dietitian jobs, they found that those with a high sodium to potassium ratio were 50 per cent more likely to have died during that period and 200 per cent more likely to die of a heart attack.

Reacting to the results the study's lead author Dr. Elena Kuklina claimed that although lots of salt is bad for you its negative effects can be counteracted by consuming plenty of potassium.

Speaking to Reuters, she said: "If sodium increases your high blood pressure, potassium decreases it. If sodium retains water, potassium helps you to get rid of it.

"We need to strive to do both - decrease your sodium intake and increase your potassium intake."

It was estimated that 90 per cent of Americans are currently consuming double the recommended daily sodium intake.