Flawed is a strong word. There is little doubt that meat and sodium intake are associated with a number of poor health outcomes. (Run almost any regression you can think of.) That is a much weaker statement than saying the former causes the latter, which is why responsible researchers are reluctant to do so unless there is very convincing evidence. Even if you are not convinced of the causal link, you would be well served to moderate your consumption of these foods on the chance that one exists.