Sodium chloride (NaCl) makes up the majority of salt's mineral makeup. It is frequently used
in cuisine as a flavoring and preservation. For our bodies to work properly and to maintain
fluid equilibrium, neuron function, and muscle contraction, salt must be consumed in
moderation.
However, consuming excessive amounts of salt can harm our health. High blood pressure is
associated with excessive salt consumption, which raises the risk of heart disease and
stroke. Additionally, it may exacerbate kidney issues, bone deterioration, fluid retention,
and may impair our senses of taste and thirst.
It's crucial to consume salt in moderation and to be aware of how much sodium we're
consuming overall. We discuss how consuming too much salt can harm our health in this
post. Continue reading to learn 10 ways that eating too much salt can harm our health.
Following are 10 ways that consuming too much salt might harm our health:
1.High blood pressure is one.
A key consequence of consuming too much salt is a rise in blood pressure. When we ingest
too much sodium, which is present in salt, our bodies retain water, increasing blood volume
and putting strain on the blood vessels.
2. Added vulnerability to cardiovascular illnesses
An increased risk of cardiovascular disorders like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure can
result from high blood pressure brought on by an excessive salt intake.
3. Kidney injury
The right fluid balance in the body is maintained in large part by the kidneys. Consuming too
much salt can put strain on the kidneys, impede their ability to function, and eventually
destroy the kidneys.
4. Retention of water
Consuming too much salt can make the body retain water, which can result in bloating and
swelling in numerous body areas, including the hands, feet, and ankles.
5. Osteoporosis
Increased calcium excretion through urine as a result of a high salt intake can lower bone
density and raise the risk of osteoporosis.
6. Gastric cancer
A high-salt diet has been linked in studies to an increased risk of stomach cancer, possibly as
a result of the formation of carcinogenic chemicals during salt digestion.
7. Reduced cognitive performance
A high-salt diet may have a deleterious impact on cognitive function, particularly memory
and attention span, thereby raising the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, according to
research.
8. Fluid instability
Consuming too much salt can throw off the body's fluid balance and cause dehydration or
overhydration, both of which can be harmful to our general health.
9. A rise in thirst
Because salt is a natural thirst-stimulant, consuming too much of it might make you feel
thirstier and cause you to drink more fluids, which can exacerbate fluid imbalances.
10. Decreased taste perception
Consuming large amounts of salt on a regular basis can gradually desensitize taste
receptors, making it harder to perceive the true flavors of food and possibly causing a
predisposition for saltier dishes.
It's crucial to remember that while salt is an essential mineral that the body needs in
moderation, consuming too much of it can have negative consequences on our health.
Limiting salt intake and choosing a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods are
also recommended.