Sodium or what we usually call ‘salt’ is an integral part of our daily diet. It is what provides taste and also improves the experience of our food. About 500 mg of daily sodium intake is said to be necessary for important bodily functions. However, excess of it could also increase your risk of developing various illnesses.
As far as adults are concerned, WHO recommends they consume less than 5 g, which is just under a teaspoon of salt daily. For children, the global health agency suggests adjusting the recommended maximum intake of salt for adults downwards, as per their energy requirements.
High blood pressure
Excess sodium consumption is linked to high blood pressure. High salt intake can cause our bodies to hold onto more water, causing larger volumes of blood to flow through the blood vessels and the arteries. This increases the pressure on the blood vessels, making the heart work harder to pump blood to various parts of the body, leading to high blood pressure.
Heart Failure
According to a study published in The Lancet, reducing sodium intake could help improve certain symptoms in patients with heart failure. Although it did not lower hospital visits or deaths in them, the study found that it could ease their symptoms such as swelling, fatigue and coughing.
Stroke
High consumption of salt is linked to a greater risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the part of the brain is interrupted or restricted, limiting the brain tissues from receiving oxygen and other vital nutrients. Eating high sodium foods can increase the amount of blood in the arteries, raising blood pressure and hence risking the onset of a stroke.
Coronary heart attack
Eating foods rich in sodium, especially processed and fast foods, can contribute to high rates of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. The US health agency suggests almost 500,000 deaths each year are related to high blood pressure, which is why reducing sodium intake could prevent thousands of deaths annually.
High blood pressure much damage the coronary arteries. It leads to the growth of plaque, a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances. Due to the formation of plaque, the arteries narrow down, leading to blood clots, which could cause a heart attack.