🍽️ Sodium Chloride {Salt}

High blood pressure (hypertension): Excessive salt intake is strongly associated with high blood pressure. When you consume too much salt, your body retains water to dilute the excess sodium in your bloodstream. This increase in blood volume puts extra pressure on your blood vessels, leading to hypertension. Chronic hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Cardiovascular diseases: High salt intake is a known risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and stroke. Excess salt consumption can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing the blood vessels and restricting blood flow to the heart and brain. Over time, this can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.

Kidney stones: Consuming too much salt can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Salt contains sodium, which can bind with calcium in the urine to form crystals. These crystals can then accumulate and form kidney stones. Individuals with a history of kidney stones or those prone to developing them should limit their salt intake to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Osteoporosis: High salt intake may contribute to the loss of calcium from the bones, leading to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Excess salt in the diet can increase the amount of calcium excreted in the urine, potentially weakening the bones over time. Adequate calcium intake, along with moderation in salt consumption, is essential for maintaining bone health.

Fluid retention and bloating: Consuming large amounts of salt can cause the body to retain water, leading to bloating and swelling, particularly in the hands, feet, and abdomen. This fluid retention can exacerbate symptoms of conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease. Reducing salt intake can help alleviate fluid retention and associated discomfort.

Gastric cancer: Some research suggests that a high-salt diet may increase the risk of gastric (stomach) cancer. Salt-preserved foods, such as pickled vegetables and salted fish, are commonly consumed in certain cultures and may contribute to the development of gastric cancer. Reducing the consumption of salt-preserved foods and maintaining a balanced diet can help lower the risk of gastric cancer.

Autoimmune diseases: Some studies have suggested a possible link between high salt intake and the development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriasis. Excessive salt consumption may trigger inflammatory responses in susceptible individuals, contributing to the progression of autoimmune conditions.

Brain health: High salt intake has been associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. Excess salt consumption may impair blood flow to the brain and contribute to the development of cerebrovascular disease, potentially leading to cognitive impairment over time.