High Sodium Diet: Harmful
December 2, 2009
2400mg of sodium (common salt) is sufficient for every healthy individual above 4 years of age. The daily intake, otherwise, varies as per existing health problems.
The sodium acts as a vital electrolyte performing major functions in the body. It helps in maintaining fluid balance in the body, given the fact that 75 % of the body content of water. Sodium is essential of transmission of never impulses. It is also needed of several muscle movements.
When the blood contains significantly high levels of sodium, the condition is called hypernatremia. This condition could be life-threatening if left untreated.
Excess dietary sodium intake and drinking less amount of water are two main factors that cause high sodium content in the blood. All foods in nature contain sodium in more or less quantities. In addition to this processed and packaged foods offer high amounts of sodium.
Key contents on packets which read baking soda, sodium nitrate, baking powder, mono sodium glutamate, sodium alginate are all forms of dietary sodium. Canned foods contain high amounts of sodium, mainly for preservative reasons.
Steroidal drugs and some anti-hypertensive drugs may also raise sodium in blood. Hormonal imbalances, such as aldosteronism and health disorder, like diabetes are other factors for sodium rise.
Health Problems
Hypertension is the most common problem with hypernatremia. Continuous high sodium diets may cause cirrhosis, kidney stones, kidney failure and other cardiovascular diseases. High sodium in blood is a big problem for PMS patients.
The sodium retention causes weight gain which is difficult to lose through conventional weight loss methods.
The trouble with initial symptoms of high sodium blood content is that they often go ignored. Symptoms include stress, anxiety, fast pulse rate, irregular high BP and dizziness.
Prevention
One needs to remember that almost all foods in nature carry salt so eating normal meals will provide you the needed amount. Apart from that one needs to avoid packaged and processed foods. Ready to use soups, meats and vegetables must be avoided.
Avoid street snacks like patties, burgers, etc. Almost all bakery products, even those which are sweet, carry some amount of sodium. Do not add salt while cooking food. Put in only while consuming.
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