Here are health issues related to salt
Salt is not just a flavouring agent that
is used to enhance the taste of any food. It is also an essential
mineral vital for optimal muscle and nerve function.
Composed of
40 per cent sodium and 60 per cent chloride, salt also helps our body
maintain proper water and mineral balance. Even after this, ingesting too much salt
can have unpleasant effects on our body, both in short and long term.
For you, it might just be a pack of salty potato chips that you love to
devour while watching your favourite show on weekends. But your body has
to work harder to remove that extra sodium from your system. Here are
some common effects of consuming too much salt.
Water retention
You might have noticed that at times after
having salty food you feel bloated and puffy. This happens because the
body tries to maintain the specific sodium-to-water ratio in your body.
When we eat extra salt, kidneys hold on the extra water, leading to
water retention. This may result in swelling, especially in the hands
and feet and can make you feel uncomfortable.
High blood pressure
Having salt-rich foods increases the flow of
blood in your blood vessels and arteries. This may temporarily spike
the blood pressure. However, not every individual experience an increase
in their blood pressure level as it is also influenced by factors like
genetics and hormones. Elderly people are more likely to experience a
rise in blood pressure after eating salty foods.
Make your thirsty
You may have the urge to drink more water as
you may feel parched after having salty food. This is another way your
body tries to balance the sodium-to-water ratio. Drinking too much fluid
may increase your trip to the loo. On the other hand, less intake of
water increases the amount of sodium in the body beyond safe levels,
resulting in a condition known as hypernatremia.
Cardiovascular problem
If you generally add too much salt in your
food then, in the long run, it can be harmful to your heart. The rise in
the blood volume may increase the pressure on the blood vessels, which
means your heart will have to work harder. This can lead to high blood
pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
What to do if you have eaten too much salt?
While we all are well aware of the effect of eating too much salt on our health,
occasional indulgences are common. If once in a blue moon you have
overloaded with salt, here are some best ways to bounce back.
Drink a lot of water
Water
helps to flush out toxins from the body. Drinking adequate amounts of
water after having salty foods can help to remove sodium from the
kidneys and will provide relief from bloating.
Exercise
Performing
some intense exercise like running and bodyweight workout in which you
sweat. Exercising will help you lose sodium in the form of sweat.
Eat a banana
To
reduce the effect of sodium in the body, it is recommended to have
potassium. Having potassium-rich food like bananas, white beans, leafy
greens can help to counteract the negative effect of sodium in the body.