Moneycontrol News | May 13, 2024 | Images: Canva

Do you eat too much salt? Watch out for these warning signs

The recommended daily intake of salt is generally around 5 gm per day for adults.  This is approximately equivalent to about  one teaspoon of table salt

Reducing salt intake can have significant health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems associated with excessive sodium consumption

Increased thirst: When you consume too  much salt, your body tries to maintain a  balance by retaining water. This can lead to dehydration, triggering feelings of thirst as  your body tries to replenish lost fluids

Frequent urination: Excess salt in your body prompts your kidneys to work harder to filter it out. As a result, you produce more urine to flush out the excess sodium

Swelling: Salt attracts water, so consuming too much of it can cause your body to retain water. This can result in swelling, particularly in areas where fluid tends to accumulate, such as the hands, feet, ankles, and legs

High Blood Pressure: Salt is composed of sodium, and consuming too much sodium can cause your body to retain extra fluid, which increases blood pressure. Over time, high BP can damage blood vessels

Bloating: Excessive salt intake can lead to bloating and discomfort in the abdomen due to water retention in the digestive system

Headaches: Salt can affect the balance of fluids in your body, which may trigger headaches, especially in individuals who are sensitive to changes in sodium levels

Fatigue: Too much salt can disrupt the  balance of electrolytes in your body, leading to feelings of fatigue and lethargy