Myth behind ‘Risk of high salt intake diet’

Our bodies react negatively when we consume too much salt, and this can affect our brain, kidneys, arteries and heart. The overuse of salt can cause chemical imbalances that can lead to death. 

We have been hearing since decades about the high salt intake in our diet but have we ever thought whether this works scientifically. According to a new research, however, anything below that 5-gram limit isn't enough to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. More than 95 percent of people in developed nations are below that level, the study found. 

According to one of the researcher, from University in Canada, “The World Health Organisation recommends consumption of less than two grams of sodium – that's one teaspoon of salt – a day as a preventative measure against cardiovascular disease, but there is little evidence in terms of improved health outcomes that individuals ever achieve at such a low level".   

There are list of reasons why too much of salt intake is bad for health; 

• Contributes to a high risk of cardiovascular disease in adults. 

•  Linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD).  

• A high sodium diet causes your body to retain water, leading to Oedema 

• It can lead to stomach cancer 

• A high salt intake and high blood pressure combined can be lethal to your kidneys. 

Nevertheless, salt affects people differently and may not lead to adverse health effects for everyone. Moderate salt intake – roughly the level many of us are at now – doesn't affect health risk, but particularly high or low levels of salt in our food can cause problems, the statistics in the new study suggest. If you’ve been advised by your doctor to reduce your salt intake, continue to do so. 

Otherwise, it seems that those who are salt-sensitive or have high blood pressure are the most likely to benefit from a low-salt diet. For most, sodium intake around the recommended one teaspoon (6 grams) per day is ideal.