The World Health Organization has stated in a recent report that millions of deaths occur worldwide every year as a result of high consumption of salt in the diet.
The report said that salt is an important nutrient for the body, but excessive consumption of it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack and premature death by causing high blood pressure, about 20 deaths worldwide each year. Millions of deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases.
Salt is mainly used to improve the taste of food, which consists of 60% chloride and 40% sodium.
Natural foods also contain small amounts of sodium, and it is important for the body to consume some amount of salt daily.
It relaxes the muscles, strengthens the nerves while maintaining the balance of water and minerals in the body.
But our body needs a very small amount of salt every day and the World Health Organization recommends 5 grams (one teaspoon) of salt a day.
If you consume too much salt, the following short-term effects can occur on the body.
flatulence
Consuming too much salt on a short-term basis causes flatulence.
Salt helps retain water in the body, so excess salt causes excess water retention, which causes bloating.
Blood pressure increases
High blood pressure can have many causes, one of which is the consumption of too much salt in the diet.
Changes in blood pressure are mediated by the kidneys, and excess salt makes it very difficult for the kidneys to get rid of excess fluid that accumulates in the body, resulting in increased blood pressure.
Swelling of hands or feet
Using too much salt can cause swollen hands, feet and face.
If your hands and feet are suddenly swollen for no reason, check your diet as it may be a result of consuming too much salt.
Excessive thirst
If you feel very thirsty, this can also be a sign of consuming too much salt in your diet.
When you consume too much salt, the body pulls water from the cells, resulting in excessive thirst, as the body becomes dehydrated.
Body weight gain
When excess water accumulates in the body, the body weight also starts to increase.
If there is a significant increase in body weight within a few days, this may also be a result of high salt intake.
Affected sleep
Consuming too much salt can also affect sleep.
Excess salt can result in problems such as frequent awakenings during sleep or restless sleep.
Feeling weak
When the amount of salt in the blood is high, water moves out of the cells to reduce the amount of salt.
When this happens, there is a feeling of weakness more than usual.
Digestive system disorders
Consuming too much salt can cause nausea or even cholera.
Long term effects
Short-term effects have been mentioned above, but long-term high salt consumption increases the risk of heart muscle enlargement, headaches, kidney disease, kidney stones, bone weakness and stroke.
