The dangerous truths about too much salt
The dangerous truths about too much salt in your diet are very real, and very easy to fall into with the U.S. diet. With all the deservedly negative attention that sugar has been receiving, the health risks of too much salt or sodium sometimes fall by the wayside.
According the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most Americans consume over twice the daily-recommended daily amount of salt. Excess sodium intake can lead to increase rates of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
It is important to maintain a 1500mg minimum to a 2300mg maximum amount of sodium per day, according to the Institute of Medicine.
Salt is also well known to cause kidney and liver issues.
Let’s take a look at two dangerous truths about too much salt.
Fluid retention
Fluid retention can be caused by an increase of salt in the body. This is caused by a poor diet with too much salt in the diet, which makes you drink even more water. Make sure to check the salt content for all the foods that you eat so you don’t go over the 2300mg maximum amount of sodium.
High blood pressure
When your dietary salt intake increases, the extra salt makes your body hold fluid as we have seen. The extra water in the body increases blood pressure, which then causes liver problems. High blood pressure is also known to increase heart and kidney risks.
Heart disease
The excess salt intake causes high blood pressure, which in turn carries its own risks. According to an article from Harvard, high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease.
Cancer
Research has shown that too much salt in the diet can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research concluded in a study that salt and salty foods are a “probable cause of stomach cancer.”
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Americans Consume Too Much Sodium (Salt).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Feb. 2011. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
2. “Sodium Intake in Populations: Assessment of Evidence.” Institute of Medicine. Institute of Medicine, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
3. “How Can Salt Be Proven Toxic for Your Entire Body?” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
4. “Health Risks and Disease.” Harvard School of Public Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
