6 THINGS THAT HAPPEN IF YOU EAT TOO MUCH SALT

Sodium is an essential nutrient for muscle function and fluid balance, but most of us consume significantly more than we need—which can have some negative consequences. Below, you’ll find 6 things that happen if you eat too much salt on a regular basis.

1.You always feel bloated

Since sodium plays a crucial role in fluid balance, too much of it can cause your body to retain water. A recent study from Johns Hopkins University found that a high-sodium diet (consuming more than 2,300 mg per day) increased bloating by 27% in comparison to a low-sodium diet like the DASH Diet.

Additionally, high-sodium diets typically include more highly processed foods and fewer wholesome, fiber-rich foods (like whole grains and veggies). This study found reducing your sodium intake and upping the amount of fiber in your diet could do wonders for your frequent bloating.

2.You get puffy under-eye bags

BONG — *You get puffy under-eye bags – google image*

If you’re prone to puffiness under the eyes, it could be a sign you’re consuming too much salt – when you’re overdoing it, your body holds extra water to balance out the excess salt, which leads to swelling (oedema). Under eye bags can be caused by other factors, such as lack of sleep and allergies, or may be a side effect of certain medications, so again, see your doctor if they are a problem.

3.You get frequent mild headaches

If you suffer from frequent mild headaches and have no idea what’s causing them, you might want to reduce your salt intake. An overload of salt in the diet can lead to dehydration-induced headache symptoms. If cutting down on salt has no effect, your doctor will be able to help you figure out the root cause.

4.You’re always thirsty

KHAT — *You’re always thirsty – google image*

If you consume a lot of sodium, your body is going to signal that it needs more water to help balance things out. This means you’re going to feel thirsty. It’s one thing if you feel like you can’t quench your thirst after a day spent in the sun or eating stadium food at a game, but it could become a problem if this sensation continues. Hypernatremia occurs when there is excess sodium in the blood. It’s caused by not drinking enough water on a regular basis, which has made you dehydrated.

5.Your ankles swell

An excess of salt in the diet can also lead to swollen ankles. Like bags under the eyes, swollen ankles can be caused by water retention as a result of eating too much salt, but other conditions can give rise to ankle oedema, and in any case, it’s normal for your ankles to swell a little after a long day on your feet. As always, visit your GP if the swelling is persistent and/or troublesome.

6.You have high blood pressure

CAO HUYET AP — *You have high blood pressure – google image*

Most of us know that excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, and it might be worth watching your consumption if you have elevated blood pressure levels. Sodium acts like a magnet for water in our bodies and can pull excess fluid into our bloodstream if there’s any imbalance. This can damage our blood vessel linings over time, which creates blood clots and puts us at risk for stroke or a heart attack.

Conclusion

You have known 6 things that happen if you eat too much salt. Foods that are high in sodium are also often high in saturated fat—and both put you at risk for worsened heart health. Step up that fiber game, try to cook more meals at home and eat those fruits and veggies to keep that sodium intake at a healthier level.

Source: Eatingwell, saga