What are the effects of over consumption salt?

Excessive salt (sodium) intake can lead to several adverse effects on health:

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):

- One of the most significant consequences of over-consuming salt is its impact on blood pressure.

- High sodium intake can cause the body to retain more water, increasing the volume of blood in circulation.

- This increased blood volume puts pressure on the blood vessel walls, leading to high blood pressure.

2. Increased Risk of Heart Disease:

- Hypertension caused by excessive salt intake is a major risk factor for heart disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and congestive heart failure.

3. Kidney Disease:

- Prolonged high salt intake can damage the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter waste products from the blood.

- This can contribute to the development and progression of chronic kidney disease.

4. Stroke:

- Elevated blood pressure due to excessive salt consumption increases the risk of stroke by damaging blood vessels in the brain and making them more susceptible to rupture.

5. Fluid Retention (Edema):

- Excess sodium can lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles, as well as facial puffiness.

6. Stomach Cancer:

- Some studies have linked excessive salt intake with an increased risk of stomach cancer, although more research is needed to establish a direct causal relationship.

7. Bone Loss:

- High sodium intake may cause the body to excrete more calcium in the urine, leading to a loss of calcium from the bones.

- This can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women and older adults.

8. Worsened Asthma Symptoms:

- In individuals with asthma, high salt intake may worsen symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

9. Headache:

- Some individuals may experience headaches after consuming excessive amounts of salt.

- This may be related to the increased fluid retention and associated changes in blood pressure.

10. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination:

- Consuming too much salt can lead to increased thirst as the body attempts to balance the salt concentration in fluids. This can result in more frequent urination.

It's important to note that while salt is necessary for various bodily functions, moderate intake is key. The recommended daily limit of salt for adults is 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon). Reducing salt intake and maintaining a balanced diet can help prevent the adverse effects associated with excessive salt consumption.