Salt contains sodium and sodium chloride. It is essential for many bodily functions, but too much can cause health problems. You should limit your sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,300mg per day and stick to the lower end, suggests MayoClinic.com. Decrease this amount if you have high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or heart disease. You should also limit your intake if you have a family history of these health conditions.
Sources of Sodium
Having 1 tsp. of salt throughout the day provides 2,300mg of sodium. Some natural foods such as cheese, seafood and olives contain high amounts of sodium. Baking soda in baked goods and breads also contains sodium. Each teaspoon of baking soda has 1,000mg of sodium, according to the American Heart Association. Processed foods are high in sodium. Examples of processed foods include tomato sauce, soup, condiments and canned goods. Avoid foods with MSG, which is common in Chinese foods and restaurant foods. MSG contains very high levels of sodium.
Functions of Salt
Sodium in salt helps maintain a balance of fluid in your body, allows your muscles to contract and relax and helps transmit nerve impulses, says MayoClinic.com. You do need some salt in your body for these functions, but too much can be harmful.
Sodium Imbalance
Having a sodium imbalance can cause several health problems. Symptoms of a sodium imbalance include muscle cramps, weakness, irritability and fluid retention, reports the University of Illinois. A condition known as hyponatremia occurs when there is too much water compared to sodium in the body. Hyponatremia health risks include kidney disease, heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Hypernatremia happens when there is not enough water compared to sodium. Health risks of hypernatremia include severe vomiting or diarrhea, poor kidney function and fever.
Dehydration
Consuming too much salt may lead to dehydration. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. As dehydration worsens, you may also experience dry skin, sleeplessness, irritability, headaches and cramping. If you have severe dehydration, you may experience fainting spells, low blood pressure or a fast, weak pulse, reports HeartSpring.net.
High Blood Pressure
Adding too much salt to your foods may increase your blood pressure, which is also referred to as hypertension. Limit your sodium intake by reducing the salt in your diet if you have, or are at risk for high blood pressure, suggests MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of high blood pressure include headaches, dizzy spells, blurred vision and chest pain.
Member Comments