TOO MUCH SALT CONSUMPTION

Salt is a compound which we have in almost every meal, it is 40% sodium and 60% chloride. The minerals in salt act as electrolytes in body. They help with fluid balance, nerve transmission and muscle function.Salt helps in maintaining blood pressure and volume in body. Salt contains many important nutrients which activate several salivary and digestive enzymes that aid in proper digestion and absorption of food in our stomach. Iodized salts prevent hypothyroidism and keep thyroid glands healthy.

But, salt is beneficial only when consumed in recommended amounts. An average Indian consumes about 10 gram of salt everyday whereas World Health Organisation has set the daily consumption limit to 5 gram. Now this a matter of concern, despite the vital functions of salt in our body ingesting too much salt has unpleasant effects as well. 

Now we'll look at the effects of too much salt in a day as well as in long term.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS OF EATING TOO MUCH SALT

1. INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE

 Too much of salt leads to increased volume of blood flow through arteries which increases blood pressure temporarily. 

2. INTENSE THIRST

One feels the need to consume loads of water after consuming salty meals this is a way in which body maintains sodium salt ratio in body. 

Consumption of too much water can make you urinate more than usual and if you fail to consume high amounts of water after a high sodium diet it can increase body's sodium intake even above safe level and lead to you a condition, called, hypernatremia. 

Hypernatremia can make sodium leach out of your cells and enter your blood in order to dilute the excess sodium. If left untreated, this fluid shift can result in confusion, seizures, coma, and even death.Other symptoms of hypernatremia include restlessness, breathing and sleeping difficulties, and decreased urination .

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3. WATER RETENTION

One might feel bloated or puffier than usual. Kidneys wish to maintain sodium- to-water ratio in body, so they store water in order to compensate for extra sodium that you consumed. 

LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS OF TOO MUCH SALT

1.HEART DISEASE

According to health experts, the high levels of salt-laden processed foods that we eat are responsible for pushing up blood pressure levels, and thus, raising the risk of heart disease.

2.Consumption of too much of salt for years can delay onset of puberty. 

A diet with excess of sodium can have long term effects on brain, kidneys, heart and blood vessels. 

3.Sodium rich diet for years can make a person vulnerable to stomach cancer. This may be due to formation of ulcers or inflammation of stomach lining. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DINNER WAS SAVORY?

1. Drink sufficient amounts of water.

2.Have potassium rich foods, it helps in maintaining fluid balance in body.

3.Most of your salt intake is from processed foods, try limiting them.

4. Try sweating out, this will help in excretion of some amounts of sodium in the form of sweat.