Hello All, today we are going to look at Why Too Much Salt is Bad for You – Plus Why Salt is Good for You ?. In the Right Amounts!
Now, most people will know a bit about this topic already. Salt is something that a very, very large number of people use. For many years Salt has been used to help to preserve food. Plus also as a condiment for food used to increase the flavour. It has many different uses but from a dietary point of view – Too much Salt is bad for you.
This is common knowledge for most of us but did you know that, on the other side of the coin. not enough Salt can be unhealthy as well.
Sometimes information can be very confusing. It is hard sometimes to know know what to believe, and what not to. Although, to put it plainly we need Salt just not too much of it.
Anyway, Salt is a mineral compound. It comes in many different forms but chemically it is commonly known as Sodium Chloride (NaCl).
This video explains things very well I think but just to go through everything in a bit more depth…
1# – Why Too Much Salt is Bad
Eating too much salt is claimed to raise blood pressure. Therefore increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. For the majority of people, the kidneys have trouble dealing with too much sodium in the blood.
As sodium accumulates, the body holds onto water to dilute it. This increases both the amount of fluid surrounding cells and the volume of blood in the bloodstream.
Increased blood volume means more work for the heart and more pressure on blood vessels.
Over time, the extra work and pressure can make blood vessels stiff, leading to high blood pressure. Which as a result can cause heart attack, and stroke.
It can also lead to heart failure.
There is some evidence that too much salt can damage the heart, aorta, and kidneys without increasing blood pressure.
2# – How Much is Too Much Salt
How much is too much salt? This is a very good question. Especially if you are like me and wondering how much is the safe amount.
So, our bodies need 500 mg a day of salt to function properly. To conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and maintain the proper balance of water and minerals.
You can consume up to 1,500 mg a day of salt but most people tend to use far more on average than 3,000 mg a day.
So think about this when you are shaking Salt all over your chips ??
3# – What Foods are High in Salt
Salt in small amounts can be found in nearly everything. Even foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and dairy products. Although, this is not something you really need to worry about. However, there are foods you should watch out for.
Foods that are high in salt include; bread, pizza, sandwiches containing cold meats, soups, savoury snacks (crisps, popcorn and crackers) chicken, cheese, eggs, bacon, sausages and sardines.
Tomato Ketchup is another one that has a very high salt content.
4# – There are 12 Different Types of Salt.
- Flake Salt
- Table Salt
- Sea Salt
- Himalayan Pink Salt
- Fleur De Sel
- Kala Namak
- Celtic Sea Salt
- Pickling Salt
- Red Hawaiian Salt
- Black Hawaiian Salt
- Smoked Salt
- Celtic Sea Salt
5# – Which Type of Salt Is Best
Of the 12 Different Types of Salt mentioned above, each has its own unique qualities. In the video at the start of this post, this says about 6 of these. Healthwise though, in my own opinion, there is one clear winner – Himalayan pink. This salt comes from the seabeds that surround the Himalayan mountains. A lot of it is actually mined from Pakistan!
The pink colour actually comes from the high levels of Iron found within this Salt. This is one of the reasons that this type of Salt is so good for you. However, Himalayan Pink Salt is quite rich in other important minerals too.
In fact, it is thought that Himalayan Pink Salt contains all 84 essential trace elements required by the body. Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, obv. Iron, Phosphorous, Manganese, Chloride and Iodine.
Consumption of Pink Salt can assist with many body functions. Such as lessening muscle cramps, promoting blood sugar health and keeping a healthy pH balance in your cells.
Many experts recommend pink salt as one of the healthiest salts you can eat.
Read More Here: Himalayan Pink Salt: Are There Health Benefits? Pros and Cons, Nutrition, and More (webmd.com)
6# – Can Not Enough Salt Affect your Health?
Here are some symptoms you may experience if you don’t have enough salt. Actually, these are the classic symptoms of other mineral deficiency’s – such as Magnesium and Zinc. These include:
- depression,
- weakness,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- cramps,
- headache,
- irritability
- and confusion.
Serious mineral deficiency symptoms can lead to seizures, coma and in some cases, it can cause death.
My Final Thoughts
Although copious amounts of studies have been carried out, there is no real definitive answer as to the effects of salt on your health.
Experts have different opinions about too much or not enough salt. More studies need to be carried out. The health effects simply do not affect everyone in the same way. It depends on a lot of different factors. Age, weight and overall fitness need to be taken into consideration.
Yes in certain people it can be harmful to blood pressure, it can cause strokes, heart disease and kidney function problems.
The lack of salt can cause vomiting, nausea, cramps, headache, irritability, confusion, weakness and depression. But again this does not apply to everyone.
In conclusion, I would recommend visiting your doctor to discuss your particular symptoms.
I wish to thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy day to read this article. If you have any questions or would like to leave a comment you can do so below. I love hearing from you and I will always get back to you.
If you know anyone else who would benefit from reading this then please feel free to share it.
Take great care of yourself because you are worth it.
Alex B Chivers
This article may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase then I may receive a small commission. It will not mean that the item will cost you any more
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About Author
I knew that there are so may foods laden with excess salt and sugar for that matter. It was shocking to see how much in your article. I typically have used sea salt due the naturally occurring minerals. I also heard that salt from the Sea of Japan is good. I did not realize that pink salt was the best and will have to add it to my cupboard.
Hi Sam,
I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Thank you
Lisa
hey,
i wanted to know about how to stay healthy and have a good lifestyle and i came across this website and i really liked how everything is given so systematically and it has really helped me.
i really loved this website and thanks to the site for giving me such knowledge that i did not know before.
Hey,
I appreciate you stopping by and leaving me a comment. Happy it was to your liking.
Feel free to stop by anytime.
Lisa