8 Reasons Why We Should Not Eat Excess Salt

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Do you know what happens to your body if you consume excess salt? It can harm your health to a great extent!! The recommended daily intake of salt is only 2300 milligrams (mg) a day for adults. But in an average, we all are taking more than this limit on a daily basis, putting ourself under the risk of many health issues.

It is important to realize that salt will satisfy only your taste buds, not your body requirements. There are many researches which show that intake of excess salt is always linked to many diseases, especially high blood pressure.

The fact is that the effect of excess intake of salt will not be shown all of a sudden. It is something like a silent killer that acts very slowly.

The major side effects of high intake of salt are due to the high sodium content. The condition where sodium is increased in the blood is called hypernatremia. There are options like low sodium salt for people who are really concerned about the intake of too much of sodium.

Small amount of salt is important for the normal functioning of the body. But, always remember that moderation is key. Next time, before putting salt in your dishes, just think of the side effects that you have to face if the amount is excess.

Now, let us see some of the health effects of excess salt intake on the body.

1. High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is the most common side effect of eating too much of salt. When sodium is increased in our blood, the blood volume will also increase. This will cause an increase in the blood pressure. In the long term, this will cause other chronic complications.

2. Fluid Retention

Fluid retention is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in your body. Increased salt intake is one of the major reasons for this condition. It is characterized by swelling in the hands, ankles and feet. Drink lots of water and also reduce taking in too much of salt.

3. Cardiovascular Disease

Excess intake of salt will put you under the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. According to a study, high salt intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

4. Dehydration

If you don't have enough water in your body, you will experience dehydration, as more water is pulled out of the cells to balance the excess sodium intake. This will be expressed as extreme thirst, nausea, dizziness, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea.

5. Gastroenteritis

Excess salt can cause damage to the stomach lining. This increases the chance of getting Helicobactor pylori infection. This usually happens when your body is exposed constantly to high salt content. This can lead to inflammation and tumour growth.

6. Kidney Problems

Ultimately, kidney is the major sufferer for whatever you are taking inside your body. When there is excess salt, this will reduce kidney function and remove less water, resulting in higher blood pressure. Constant exposure to excess salt will result in chronic diseases.

7. Osteoporosis

As the amount of sodium increases, the loss of calcium from the body increases. This will cause the bone-thinning disease known as osteoporosis. In menopausal women, this is one of the serious health effects of excess salt intake.

8. Stroke

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the part of the brain is cut off. This will reduce the oxygen supply, resulting in cell death. High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke and excess salt intake contributes to this indirectly.