Why You Shouldn't Eat Too Much Salt
How much salt is too much?
The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. However, most people in the United States consume much more than this amount, with the average intake being around 3,400 mg per day.
What are the dangers of eating too much salt?
Eating too much salt can lead to a number of health problems, including:
High blood pressure: Salt can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Heart disease: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Eating too much salt can also damage the heart muscle and arteries.
Stroke: Stroke is a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain. Eating too much salt can increase your risk of stroke by raising your blood pressure and damaging the blood vessels in the brain.
Kidney disease: Eating too much salt can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
Other health problems: Eating too much salt can also contribute to other health problems, such as osteoporosis, stomach cancer, and headaches.
How can I reduce my salt intake?
There are a number of ways to reduce your salt intake, including:
Read food labels carefully: The amount of sodium in food is listed on the food label. When choosing foods, opt for those that are low in sodium.
Cook more meals at home: When you cook at home, you can control the amount of salt that you add to your food.
Choose fresh fruits and vegetables over processed foods: Processed foods often contain high levels of sodium.
Limit your intake of salty snacks: Salty snacks, such as chips, pretzels, and popcorn, are a major source of sodium.
Use herbs and spices to flavor your food: Herbs and spices can add flavor to your food without adding salt.
Conclusion
Eating too much salt can lead to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. By reducing your salt intake, you can help to improve your overall health.