Eating a lot of salt will make you sick

Apr 27, 2008

SALT comprises of sodium which carries nutrients into the cells, works on the lining of blood vessels to regulate blood pressure and enhances proper functioning of the nerves and muscles. <br>

By Joseph Ssemutooke

SALT comprises of sodium which carries nutrients into the cells, works on the lining of blood vessels to regulate blood pressure and enhances proper functioning of the nerves and muscles.

It also contains calcium, iodine and potassium, which are necessary for the functioning of the body. However, consuming a lot of salt is dangerous.
Dr Denis Balaba of Mulago Hospital says our bodies need a maximum of five grams (about a teaspoon of salt) every day.

Diseases linked with taking excessive salt. Reports from the American Medical Association say that in the US, 250,000 lives could be saved annually if people cut their salt intake. The report links excessive salt consumption to diseases such as;

High blood pressure
Too much salt leads to the shrinking of blood vessels because it forces water out of the cells and makes them narrower.

This makes the heart to pump harder to force blood around the body, thus increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.
Increased salt intake may also cause more fluid to be retained in the blood vessels. This requires the heart to work harder to pump blood to all the tissues in the body.

Digestive disorders
Because salt is a natural antibiotic, it kills good bacteria in the body. As a substance that draws water, it also interferes with the normal absorption of water which leads to constipation and the accumulation of toxins in the intestines.

Salt also induces insulin resistance and increases the risk of stomach and oesophageal cancers by damaging the lining of the throat and stomach. It also increases the risk of developing stomach ulcers, stomach cancer and kidney stones.

Osteoporosis
In post-menopausal women, the consumption of excessive salt increases the level of bone minerals excreted through urine. This increases the levels of calcium lost, thus leading to a gradual weakening of the bones known as osteoporosis.

Other diseases linked with excessive consumption of salt are oedema and gastric cancer.

Controlling salt intake
Avoid adding salt to food when served
Do not salt food before cooking
Avoid manufactured foods containing a lot of salt
Use herbs, spices and salt-free blending when cooking
Rinse canned foods to reduce sodium content
Eat fresh meats, poultry or fish instead of preserved ones
Where possible use unrefined salt instead of refined salt
When shopping, always check on the salt content of packed food and buy only food with low salt content

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