What are the real health consequences of excessive sodium consumption? Discover the negative effects of sodium on your body.
Do you usually tend to eat a lot of foods high in sodium, or to include to eat a lot of foods high in sodium, or to include too much salt in your recipes and dishes? Even if you don’t have high blood pressure right now, you probably need to know that the health consequences of excess sodium go far beyond just having high blood pressure levels.
The truth is that, unlike what is usually thought, sodium is a fundamental mineral for our body. It helps to maintain the balance between the fluids in our body, it is essential in the maintenance of the acid-base balance, in the normal excitability of the muscles, and the hydration of all our cells.
In this sense, the maximum recommended sodium intake per day should not exceed 1 or 2 grams, although the reality is quite different: the normal intake usually ranges between 5 to 7 grams per day.
What are the negative health effects of excess sodium?
Arterial hypertension
Although it is true that it is one of the most popular and well-known effects, the reality is that as we will see below, it is not the only one.
Hypertension is considered when blood pressure figures are elevated, above 140/90mmHg, compared to normal blood pressure values.
High blood pressure can cause heart problems and kidney damage, among other consequences.
Gastric problems
The excessive consumption of sodium affects the appearance of gastritis, stomach ulcers and can be a risk in the appearance of stomach cancer.
Kidney problems
By putting extra stress on the kidneys, so that they can eliminate excess sodium through the urine, over time it can seriously affect their function.
Bone problems
Its consumption has been related to a higher incidence of osteoporosis, since it increases the urinary excretion of calcium.
Skin problems
In addition to retaining fluids, by hindering blood circulation it is common for it to be associated with a higher incidence of dark circles, cellulite, edema and varicose veins.
For all that is indicated, since it is usual that the diet that we consume daily provides us with the amount of sodium that our body needs, the most useful thing is to opt for some natural alternatives to salt, such as choosing herbs or spices to season. Meals.
