Salt improves flavor greatly, but consuming too much of it might be harmful to your health. Food businesses have spent billions trying to figure out what makes people keep coming back for more, and sadly, they discovered that adding salt will boost their profits at the expense of keeping us sickly, hooked, and unwell.
It is advised by the American Heart Association (AHA) to consume 1,500–2,400 mg of salt daily. Having said that, Americans consume 3,400 mg of food on average each day, the majority of which is from processed meals. This increases the likelihood of health issues because processed meals are high in calories, high in fat, and contain excessive amounts of salt.
A study that was published in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that an estimated 1.65 million fatalities globally each year are attributed to high salt consumption, which serves as an example of the perils associated with high-sodium diets. Excessive salt intake is the cause of 10% of heart-related deaths in the United States. Although excessive salt consumption doesn’t usually result in death, there are still potential health hazards.
We’ll discuss the consequences of consuming excessive amounts of salt below, along with tips for reducing increased salt intake.
WHAT OCCURS WHEN YOU EAT TOO MUCH SALT IS AS FOLLOWED:
1. YOU FIRST FEEL LIVER PROBLEMS.
Due to the fact that a high-sodium diet raises the concentration of calcium in urine—a crucial component in the development of kidney stones—you are more likely to develop kidney stones. The body retains more water as you eat more salt in an attempt to lessen the sodium. Normally, the kidneys filter blood and extract water from it in order to rid the body of extra fluid. On the other hand, a diet heavy in sodium causes the kidneys to excrete less water, which raises blood pressure. Because the arteries leading to the kidneys are severely strained as your blood pressure increases to accommodate the excess salt, this might result in kidney failure.
2. BLOOD PRESSURE MAY INCREASE WITH SALT.
As was briefly discussed above, individuals with high salt intake are more likely to acquire high blood pressure. This occurs as a result of salt causing water retention, which increases heart rate. Due to the extreme strain and pressure this places on your organs, heart disease, strokes, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and other major issues may result.
3. YOU ARE EXHAUSTED.
As we previously established, excessive salt consumption causes water retention. Most people mainly associate bloating with the abdomen, but salt can also make your body retain water throughout your whole body. Consuming too much salt can cause swelling in the hands, legs, and feet, a condition known as edema. Even though a night of excessive salt consumption normally doesn’t result in significant swelling, a high-salt diet’s fluid retention over time can undoubtedly create chronic bloating.
4. SALT MAY IMPAIR MENTAL VISION.
Excessive salt intake is one of the many factors that can impair cognitive function. According to a 2011 study that was published in the Neurobiology of Aging, older adults who were sedentary and ingested large amounts of salt saw more cognitive deterioration. Brain fog is typically an indication of inflammation, which is brought on by too much salt. Furthermore, those who consume large amounts of salt frequently do not drink enough water, and dehydration can also impair cognitive function.
5. OSTEOPOROSIS MAY RESULT FROM IT.
When it comes to high-sodium diets, this is normally not something that comes to mind, but when you urinate, your body loses calcium. The more salt you eat, the more calcium you lose. A deficiency of calcium in the bloodstream can cause calcium to be drawn out of the bones and lead to osteoporosis.
REDUCING SALT INTAKE: Steer clear of or drastically reduce your intake of takeout and processed foods. Many of these items lack excellent nutrients and have far too much salt in them.
– Ensure that your food contains adequate amounts of potassium. Potassium can reduce blood pressure and offset the effects of too much salt. 3,500–4,700 mg should be your daily goal, ideally. Bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, and tomatoes are examples of healthy sources. Make more dinners at home and season your food without adding salt. There are several options for seasonings in your neighborhood grocery shop that don’t always require salt.
Purchase seasonal produce, including fruits, vegetables, and meats; reduce your intake of salt-laden canned goods. If you do purchase canned goods, look for ones that are salt-free.
