Side Effects Of Salt: Salt is used to enhance the taste of food, but its correct proportion is very important. Salt is also necessary for the body, it plays an important role in maintaining water balance, helping in digestion and controlling blood pressure.

However, an overdose of anything can be harmful. In such a situation, excessive consumption of salt can cause many serious health hazards such as high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney problems. Packaged food items, such as chips, noodles and ultra-processed meats, often contain high amounts of salt. Let us tell you in this article what harm can be caused to health by eating too much salt (Side Effects of Excessive Salt Intake) and what methods you can adopt to avoid it.

Side Effects Of Too Much Salt

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a health problem that can develop slowly and without any obvious symptoms. This is why it is often called the 'silent killer'. This problem not only affects vital organs like the heart and kidneys, but can also damage the entire body.

Let us tell you that salt contains sodium. When we eat more salt, the sodium level in the body increases. Excess sodium retains water in the blood, which increases the blood volume. The increased blood volume puts more pressure on the blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Other disadvantages of eating too much salt

Apart from high blood pressure, eating too much salt can also cause many other health problems. Let's find out.

• Heart and kidney diseases: Excess salt puts pressure on the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Apart from this, excess sodium also puts pressure on the kidneys, which affects the ability of the kidneys to function and can also cause kidney failure.
• Bone weakness (osteoporosis): Eating too much salt can reduce calcium levels in the body, which can weaken bones and cause problems like osteoporosis .
• Digestive problems: Eating too much salt puts pressure on the stomach walls, which can cause heartburn, acidity and gas.
• Intestinal problems: Too much salt can cause inflammation in the intestines and hinder the functioning of the intestines, leading to constipation and other digestive problems.
• Weight gain: Consuming too much salt increases the likelihood of water retention in the body, which can cause weight gain, especially abdominal swelling.
• Dehydration: Eating too much salt can lead to dehydration . When there is excess sodium in the body, more water is needed to flush it out, which can lead to dehydration.

How to reduce salt intake?

• Ultra-processed foods such as canned food items, salty snacks and ready-to-eat meals contain high amounts of salt. So you have to stay away from these things.
• Fresh fruits, vegetables and grains are naturally low in salt. So include these foods in your diet.
• Minimize the use of salt when cooking and use herbs and spices instead.
• By cooking at home you can control the amount of salt in your food.
• Read food labels carefully and choose food items that are low in sodium.