These are a few points to consider about the consumption of salt.
- Sodium is an essential element in our body. We use sodium for many of the physiological functions like Maintenance of fluid balance, muscle contraction and conduction of nerve impulses. Deprivation of sodium leads to disease. According to the current data, if we get 1500 grams of sodium per day, we can make sure that we are receiving enough sodium to maintain all our physiologic needs.
- However, excess sodium in the diet can also cause some serious health problems. These include heart disease, hypertension, stroke, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis and stomach cancer. What is not entirely clear is how much sodium in the diet is safe. We do not precisely know the highest safe level of daily sodium in our food. The guidelines suggest that an upper level of 2300 grams per day of sodium is safe, and more than that increases the risk of diseases. One thing is sure: most of us receive much more than this level.
- Where do we get most of the sodium in our diet? The primary sodium sources include different types of bread, pizza, processed meat, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, cheese, and many kinds of snacks. Adding sodium during cooking and on the dining table adds even more to our intake. Too much sodium in the diet is a real risk to our health, and it deserves everyone’s careful attention.
- Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, unprocessed meat all contain a small amount of sodium and are suitable replacements for many of the sodium-laden foods we take.
