LIFESTYLE
You should eat only this much salt in a day; otherwise this disease can knock you down soon.
Salt Intake: Excessive salt intake can cause high blood pressure and heart diseases. Know how much salt should be consumed daily.
Salt Intake: A small white particle that adds flavor to food. If used excessively, it can become the cause of life's biggest disease. We are talking about salt, which is also called 'white poison'. While it enhances the taste of food, consuming it in excess can invite high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and kidney problems.
According to the report of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), excessive consumption of salt in the country is becoming a major cause of serious diseases.
How much salt should one eat?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and ICMR, one should not consume more than 5 grams (about one teaspoon) of salt in a day. But in India, people are consuming an average of 10 grams of salt daily, which is double this amount. This habit slowly acts like a 'silent killer' inside the body.
High blood pressure
The sodium present in salt constricts the blood arteries, which increases blood pressure. High BP for a long time has a bad effect on the heart and brain.
Risk of stroke and heart attack
Combined with high BP and high cholesterol, salt can cause irregular heartbeats, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Effects on the kidneys
Excess sodium forces the kidneys to work more than necessary, which can lead to serious problems like kidney failure.
Weakening of bones
Excess salt causes loss of calcium through urine, which weakens the bones.
How to control salt consumption
- Instead of adding salt to food, use alternatives like lemon, black pepper, coriander or asafoetida.
- Stay away from packaged food, pickles, papad, chips, sauces, instant noodles etc. – they have high sodium content.
- Gradually reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to allow the taste buds to change.
Salt is important, but balance is even more important. The more salt you consume, the sooner serious diseases can strike. If your habits are corrected in time, many problems can be avoided.
