What happens if you eat too much salt

Salt contains around 40% sodium, and 60% chloride. Salt is used to flavor foods and preserve them. Sodium, a vital mineral for nerve function and muscle health, is also found in salt. It works with chloride to maintain a healthy body's water and mineral balance. However, too much salt can cause unpleasant side effects in the long term. This article describes what happens to your body when you consume too much salt, and compares it to long-term consequences of eating a high-salt diet.

1. Salt intake can have short-term consequences

Salt intake in excess can lead to short-term health problems.

* Water retention:

You may feel more bloated and puffy than normal. Your kidneys want to maintain a certain sodium-to-water ratio. Your kidneys retain extra water to compensate for sodium from your diet. This can lead to swelling in your hands and feet and may cause you to gain weight.

* Increase in blood pressure:

Salty foods can cause blood vessels to expand and blood flow to your arteries and blood vessels to increase. Although this may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, it is not common for everyone to experience these effects. Research suggests that salt-resistant people may not experience an increase in blood pressure following salty meals. Genetics and hormones are thought to influence a person's salt sensitivity. High salt diets can also increase blood pressure by increasing obesity and aging.

Intense thirst:

Salty foods can cause dry mouth and thirst. Your body may also try to balance the sodium-to water ratio by encouraging you to drink. This can lead to more frequent urination. In contrast, hypernatremia, where your body's sodium levels rise beyond a safe level, can lead to water leaching out of your cells into your blood. This is because your body attempts to reduce the sodium. This fluid shift can lead to confusion, seizures, death, or even coma if it is not treated.

2. Salt intake can have long-term consequences

Salt intake over a prolonged period of time can lead to several health problems.

* May raise blood pressure:

Research shows that high salt diets can increase blood pressure. It is possible to lower blood pressure by lowering salt intake. For example, two large reviews suggest that a decrease of 4.4g per day in salt intake may result in a drop of 4.18mm Hg and 2.06mm Hg in systolic (the top and bottom numbers) respectively.

* May increase stomach-cancer risk:

Numerous studies have shown that a High-Salt Diet Is Linked To Higher Stomach Cancer risk. A review of more than 268,000 participants found that people who consume 3 grams of salt per day have a 68% greater risk of developing stomach cancer. Another study suggests that people who consume high amounts of salt may be at twice the risk of getting stomach cancer. However, the study does not define high or low sodium intake.

3. Impact on heart disease and early death

It is not clear if salt-rich diets and heart disease are linked. However, some studies have shown that salt intakes can cause high blood pressure and stiffening of the blood vessels and arteries. These changes can lead to a higher chance of premature death and heart disease. For example, a 20-year study found that those who ate less than 5.8g per day of salt had the lowest mortality rates. Those who ate more than 15g per day had the highest.

4. Is it possible for salt to be overdosed?

Salt overdoses can be fatal. They require salt consumption of 0.2 to 0.5 grams per pound (0.5-1g per kg) of bodyweight. For a person who weighs 154 pounds (70kg), this would be 35-70g (2-4 tablespoons) of salt. People with heart disease, liver problems, or kidney disease may experience severe side effects if they consume more than 10g of sodium daily. This is equivalent to 25 grams of salt

5. What to do if salt is a problem?

There are several ways you can help your body adjust for high-salt meals. First, ensure you are drinking enough water to replenish your body's sodium-to-water ratio. Second, you can try eating foods rich in potassium like fruits, vegetables and legumes. Potassium, along with sodium is an important nutrient in maintaining fluid balance.

Is Salt Really Bad for You?

Salt is a naturally occurring chemical that is commonly used in seasoning food. It can also be used to stop bacteria growth. However, over the past decades it has earned a bad reputation. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping sodium intake below 2,300 mg per day

1. The Body's Essential Role is Played by Salt

Salt, also known by sodium chloride or sodium chloride is a compound that is made up about 40% sodium, and 60% chloride. These minerals play an important role for health. However, fluctuations can lead to side effects. Sodium is involved with muscle contractions, and fluid losses can cause cramps in athletes.

2. Stomach Cancer is Associated with High Salt Consumption

Evidence suggests that an increase in salt intake may be associated with an increased risk for stomach cancer. This could be due to the growth of Helicobacter Pylori. A type of bacteria that is associated with a higher rate of stomach cancer. One 2011 study looked at more than 1,000 participants. It found that a higher intake of salt was associated with a higher chance of stomach cancer.

3. A lower salt intake may lead to lower blood pressure

A high blood-pressure level can put extra strain on your heart. Numerous large studies have found that a low salt diet can help lower blood pressure. One review of 3,230 participants revealed that a moderate decrease in salt intake resulted in a slight decrease in blood pressure. This effect was stronger for high blood pressure.

Header Ads

What happens if you eat too much salt

No comments

Facebook

Recent

Comments

Tags