In the article titled, “Is Salt Bad for You - Or Not?” the authors discuss the role that salt plays in the body. Salt has been seen as a contributor for high blood pressure and heart disease for almost 50 years, although some experts argue that salt is critical and not necessarily a problem for some people. These experts state that there is inconsistent research about how sodium could cause increased blood pressure, and there may even be issues when not enough sodium is consumed in a diet.
“Salt” and “sodium” are often used interchangeably when discussing health concerns. What we consume is considered salt, while sodium is typically what experts are most concerned about. In general, Americans typically consume 3,400 mg of sodium each day, which is approximately 1.5 teaspoons of salt. The USDA and Health and Human Services Dietary Guidelines suggest a daily intake of 2,300 mg, while the American Heart Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggest 1,500 mg per day. The amount of salt that is consumed in an American diet is generally found in the processed foods that people consume. Other types of sodium that might be included in foods we consume include sodium bicarbonate, monosodium glutamate, sodium benzoate, sodium saccharin, and sodium nitrate and nitrite. These types of sodium can be associated with adverse side effects. Processed foods often do not contain potassium to balance out the sodium, which is critical for electrolyte balance.
Experts argue that it’s more about improving your diet rather than managing salt intake. 360,000 Americans die from high blood pressure each year, but not everyone is sensitive to salt and a meta-analysis showed that reducing salt in those without high blood pressure only slightly reduced blood pressure. In those with hypertension, there was only weak evidence of the benefit of reducing salt. One of the leading sodium researchers, Niels Graudal, explains that if you have a healthy diet, you shouldn’t have to worry about sodium intake.
Salt is an important part of overall health due to a few reasons. The amount of salt each person should consume depends on activity level, water intake, genes, and other factors. Sodium chloride plays a role in muscle contraction, nerve-impulse function, blood pressure, regulating blood volume, reducing bacterial growth, creating hydrochloric acid in aiding digestion, and helping absorb vitamin C. A lack of sodium can disrupt hormone balance, cause insulin resistance, and even cause an increased cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Certain health conditions such as IBD, celiac disease, and gluten intolerance can inhibit salt absorption. Sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease can cause salt to be loss.
To attain a more balanced diet that reduces processed fats and flours, you can include grassfed meat, vegetables, whole grains, and bitter greens. Adding sea salt to your diet can assist the body because it contains trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide. When using salt in a diet, it is best to use fresh, natural salts that can vary in color from white to pink, or even black to blue. It should enhance textures and taste of food. Salt stays most fresh in glass or plastic containers that are more high-quality. Higher quality salt will typically cost more than table salt, between $0.25 and $1 an ounce. To find out more ways to keep yourself healthy, please visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com.
Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/is-salt-bad-for-you-or-not/
