The Indian diet has largely transformed in the last 30 years with vegetable, pulses, and fruit-based diet being replaced by processed foods. Since these use a large amount of salt for purposes of preservation, we end up consuming more amount of salt than required.

In a survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2016, an average Indian consumes 119% more salt than the standard limit given by WHO.

Now that we know that most of us are consuming more salt than required, let us find out the effects that it has on our bodies. Salt consists of 40% Sodium and 60% Chloride. Some variations of it may also consist the traces of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc. Iodine is added to table salt as it is an important micronutrient that our body cannot synthesize by itself.

Since salt is constituted by electrolytes, the minerals it contains performs the basic electrolytic functions in the body. It helps in maintaining fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function.

Salt for Heart

For a long time, it is being said that consuming excessive salt is harmful to heart health. Even though it is proven that high blood pressure increases the chances of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, the link between the consumption of salt and increase in blood pressure remains unclear. The consumption of salt and its effect on blood pressure still remains subjective.

People whose bodies are salt-sensitive experience a significant decrease in blood pressure when they reduce the intake of sodium. However, reduction in the consumption of sodium hardly affects the high blood pressure problems in people whose bodies are ‘salt-resistant’.

Salt for Kidneys

A large intake of sodium is said to affect the kidney function. Excess sodium makes it difficult for the kidneys to perform its function of removing water, resulting in water retention. This, in turn, results in increased blood pressure. Further deterioration of kidneys is also observed in people who consume excess sodium and already suffer from kidney problems.

Salt for Stomach

Some researches have concluded that high-salt diets are directly linked to the stomach or gastric cancer. People who consume higher sodium have 68% more chances of developing stomach cancer in comparison to people who have low to moderate sodium consumption. It can also lead to inflammation, gastric ulcers and damage to the stomach lining.

While consuming excess salt can adversely affect our health, our bodies also require it for various important bodily functions. It helps in keeping us hydrated, balancing body electrolytes, prevent muscle cramping, improve the function of our nervous system and get better sleep.

Every body is different and reacts to different substances in different manners. Bangalore Wellness Center recommends listening to your body and understanding whether it is salt-sensitive or salt-resistant. This basic understanding can help you make smart diet decisions and can help you ward-off various health problems. Bangalore Wellness Center also recommends the consumption of natural salts like Celtic sea salts or Pink Himalayan rock salt instead of consuming extensively processed table salt

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