Salt is something that not just adds taste to our food but also affects our bodies in ways you can’t imagine. We all know that salt, which is the primary source of iodine, if not included in our diets can lead to a situation called goiter, but the same salt when consumed in excess, can lead to disturbing conditions. So, here are the key ways in which excessive salt consumption affects our bodies and you definitely shouldn’t miss reading them out.
1.The problem of bloating
Vexed by the idea of bloating? Lowering the amount of salt consumption can actually help you out here. Consumption of excessive salt increases the level of sodium in our bodies. This causes our body to retain extra fluid causing bloating. So cut down on that extra salt and see the difference on your own.
2. High Blood Pressure
There lies no skepticism in the fact that salt has a consistent relationship with blood pressure. The more the salt intake, the more the sodium in our bodies, and the more the sodium content, the higher the blood pressure.
According to studies, approximately 4.6 grams reduction in salt content lower blood pressure. Keeping in mind the adverse effects of high blood pressure, it is highly suggested to have a track on your salt intake so as to control the amount of sodium in your body.
3. Higher chances of heart disease
Sodium is essential for our bodies, but excess of it can actually bring along harmful affects with it. In fact, it is related to cardiovascular diseases, which comprehends coronary heart disease, heart failure and strokes; and excess salt consumption actually doubles its threat.
People prone to this are smokers, elderly, diabetics and people with high blood pressure. So if you are one of them, you should be very careful with your salt intake.
4.Cognitive abilities deteriorate
Increase in blood pressure is linked to brain troubles. People consuming excessive salt and following a sedentary lifestyle can make their bodies prone to a decline in cognitive abilities. So avoid a high salt-diet and exercise for approximately 30 minutes every day for a healthy body, which is mentally as well as physically fit.
5.Kidney problems
Kidneys play an important role in filtering the waste products from the blood. Its failure can cause an imbalance of fluids in blood, abnormal blood rate and ultimately death. High blood pressure can cause kidney failure as it causes extra strain on the arteries, which ultimately leads to kidney failure. According to a study, when people with kidney disease consumed less amount of salt, they saw an improvement in their kidney behaviour, indirectly stating that consumption of salt is indirectly linked to kidney health.
6.Salt cravings
It is often said that people who have a habit of consuming higher amounts of salt, make their taste buds crave for it even more. So as to satisfy those cravings, it’s suggested to opt for salt substitutes in spite of consuming salt directly.
For example, while looking for a seasoning for your salads, instead of sprinkling salt over it, go for cayenne pepper. Try such equally tasty substitutes to reduce unnecessary sodium intake.
7.Prospects of stroke
High salt consumption leads to a higher amount of sodium in our blood, higher sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which can ultimately lead to a stroke.
Strokes can be taken care of by lowering the amount of salt in your diet as it helps in controlling the amount of sodium in our body.
8.Skin
You must be wondering what affect could salt have on your skin? Well, consumption of excess salt causes edema, which is a condition of swelled arms, legs or ankles.
Although edema is an extreme case, extra salt can sometimes leave a puffed skin and no one wants that, do you?
