Is Salt Bad For You? Why Common Table Salt Can Destroy Your
Health
The average American consumes between 4000 and
8000 milligrams of salt a day. Around 2400 milligrams
daily is considered a moderate salt intake. Most of us
consume far more salt than we need. So what's the
problem? Is sodium bad for you?
Common table salt is not a whole food. It has been
refined so that it contains only one element, sodium
chloride, and has been processed using high heat, and
has multiple fillers and additives. Among these additions are anti-caking agents such as calcium
silicate and dextrose (yes, salt often has sugar in it). While salt is essential for certain body
functions and to maintain electrolyte balance, the quality of common table salt makes this
substance potentially more damaging than healthful.
Below are some of the negative effects associated with the consumption of common table salt?
1. Calcium absorption
Excessive sodium can inhibit the absorption of calcium by increasing its secretion in the urine.
Proper absorption of calcium is essential for bone and joint health and proper muscular function.
Interestingly, natural sea salts often contain calcium and magnesium, the latter a mineral which
enhances calcium absorption.
2. Water retention
Too much table salt causes the body's tissues to "hold" water in an attempt to maintain fluid
balance in the body. Cells function best when the salt content of the fluid within them
(intra-cellular fluid) and the salt content of the fluid surrounding them (extra-cellular fluid) is the
same.
When there is too much salt in the body, cells will release water from within to dilute the
sodium-saturated water around them, and vice-versa. The water remains trapped in the tissues
as the body attempts to maintain the salt to water ratio. Water retention is not just uncomfortable;
it contributes to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other problems (see below).
3. Circulatory problems
Some people's blood pressure is more profoundly affected by salt than others. Nonetheless,
even the experts have trouble distinguishing who is most susceptible to sodium-induced high
blood pressure (hypertension), so keeping your salt intake in check is a good idea.
When sodium causes high blood pressure, the potential for lethal circulatory problems is
significant. Those with hypertension are more at risk for heart attack, stroke, and overall blood
vessel damage.
4. Kidneys
These vital organs are also affected by excessive sodium intake. If blood vessels in the kidneys
are damaged by hypertension, the kidney becomes less efficient. Thus, excess fluid and toxins
accumulate in the body because the kidneys are not able to filter them out efficiently. As noted
above, retained fluid increases blood pressure and the cycle continues.
5. Pregnancy
Pregnant women need to be especially careful with their salt intake. They often need more salt to
maintain correct electrolyte balance, but taking in more of the common table salt variety may do
more harm than good. For example, reducing the absorption of calcium - which table salt intake
can do - is definitely a bad idea during pregnancy.
Related article- The Benefits of Himalayan Salt
Health
The average American consumes between 4000 and
8000 milligrams of salt a day. Around 2400 milligrams
daily is considered a moderate salt intake. Most of us
consume far more salt than we need. So what's the
problem? Is sodium bad for you?
Common table salt is not a whole food. It has been
refined so that it contains only one element, sodium
chloride, and has been processed using high heat, and
has multiple fillers and additives. Among these additions are anti-caking agents such as calcium
silicate and dextrose (yes, salt often has sugar in it). While salt is essential for certain body
functions and to maintain electrolyte balance, the quality of common table salt makes this
substance potentially more damaging than healthful.
Below are some of the negative effects associated with the consumption of common table salt?
1. Calcium absorption
Excessive sodium can inhibit the absorption of calcium by increasing its secretion in the urine.
Proper absorption of calcium is essential for bone and joint health and proper muscular function.
Interestingly, natural sea salts often contain calcium and magnesium, the latter a mineral which
enhances calcium absorption.
2. Water retention
Too much table salt causes the body's tissues to "hold" water in an attempt to maintain fluid
balance in the body. Cells function best when the salt content of the fluid within them
(intra-cellular fluid) and the salt content of the fluid surrounding them (extra-cellular fluid) is the
same.
When there is too much salt in the body, cells will release water from within to dilute the
sodium-saturated water around them, and vice-versa. The water remains trapped in the tissues
as the body attempts to maintain the salt to water ratio. Water retention is not just uncomfortable;
it contributes to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other problems (see below).
3. Circulatory problems
Some people's blood pressure is more profoundly affected by salt than others. Nonetheless,
even the experts have trouble distinguishing who is most susceptible to sodium-induced high
blood pressure (hypertension), so keeping your salt intake in check is a good idea.
When sodium causes high blood pressure, the potential for lethal circulatory problems is
significant. Those with hypertension are more at risk for heart attack, stroke, and overall blood
vessel damage.
4. Kidneys
These vital organs are also affected by excessive sodium intake. If blood vessels in the kidneys
are damaged by hypertension, the kidney becomes less efficient. Thus, excess fluid and toxins
accumulate in the body because the kidneys are not able to filter them out efficiently. As noted
above, retained fluid increases blood pressure and the cycle continues.
5. Pregnancy
Pregnant women need to be especially careful with their salt intake. They often need more salt to
maintain correct electrolyte balance, but taking in more of the common table salt variety may do
more harm than good. For example, reducing the absorption of calcium - which table salt intake
can do - is definitely a bad idea during pregnancy.
Related article- The Benefits of Himalayan Salt
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