Our bodies need salt. Our taste buds demand it. But, many people have way too much salt in their diet. Why are doctors concerned and recommend we watch how much salt we have in our diet?
First, let’s look at why your body needs sodium. Sodium aids in the relaxation and contractions of your muscles. Gotta be able to flex those biceps, right? Sodium transmits nerve impulses and helps maintain the balance of fluids in your body.
What happens in your body when you have too much sodium? Your kidneys maintain the balance of sodium in your body. When your sodium level is low, your kidneys store sodium it in an effort to have enough for your body’s needs. When the level gets too high, your kidneys dump the excess in your urine.
If your kidneys can’t eliminate enough sodium, it starts collecting in your blood. Sodium holds water so it increases the volume of your blood. The more blood that you have in your body the harder your heart has to work to push it through your veins and arteries. This can overwork your heart and cause congestive heart failure and kidney disease.
In an average day, five percent of your daily salt intake comes when it is added to your food during cooking. Six percent is added when you sprinkle some on before you eat it. Twelve percent is found naturally in your food sources. And a whopping 77 percent comes from eating processed and prepared foods.
The best way to prevent congestive heart disease and high blood pressure is to carefully screen the processed and prepared food that you eat. Select food that has reduced sodium levels. And, be careful how much you sprinkle on your food while eating.