Published by: Priyanka Deshpande
Are you consuming more sodium than your body needs? Find out how much salt is too much.
The World Health Organization recommends a maximum intake of less than 5 grams/day salt in adults.
The worldwide salt consumption per capita is approximately 10.8 grams.
India has a salt consumption per capita of 10 grams.
Excessive salt intake can cause high BP due to water retention, increasing blood volume, & raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, & kidney issues.
High salt intake is strongly linked to heart disease, as excess sodium can strain the heart by stiffening & narrowing blood vessels, potentially causing conditions like coronary artery disease & congestive heart failure.
Excess salt intake elevates blood pressure, raising the risk of strokes. It damages brain blood vessels, potentially causing hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes with severe consequences like paralysis & cognitive impairments.
The kidneys play a critical role in regulating the body's salt balance. Consuming too much salt can overwork the kidneys & potentially damage them over time. This damage may lead to kidney disease or kidney stones.
Too much salt can boost calcium loss in urine, weakening bones and potentially leading to osteoporosis, a condition marked by brittle, fragile bones.
High salt intake may be associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer, as excess salt can irritate the stomach lining, potentially causing inflammation and cellular damage, according to some studies.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT DOCTOR FOR SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS