Have you ever felt the urge to sprinkle a little extra salt on your food because it seems to enhance the taste? Or do your taste buds naturally prefer flavours that are saltier than average? If so, you might assume that a small amount of extra salt won’t really harm your health.
Most of us already know that excessive consumption of spicy or oily foods can be unhealthy. Eating too many sweets and sugary treats is also linked to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. However, many people tend to believe that adding a bit more salt to their meals is relatively harmless.
What many don’t realise is that excessive intake of salty foods can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure. Not only that, recent studies suggest that too much salt may also negatively impact cognitive function.
Here are some common signs that may indicate it’s time to reduce your salt intake:
# Persistent ThirstConsuming excess salt disrupts the body’s fluid balance, making you feel unusually thirsty and increasing your urge to drink water.
# Swelling in the BodyHigh sodium intake can cause oedema, a condition in which the body retains excess fluid, leading to swelling and bloating.
# Impaired Kidney FunctionFrequent kidney pain or difficulty in urination may signal that your salt intake is too high. Excess salt can strain the kidneys and contribute to kidney stone formation.
# Stomach UlcersToo much salt can damage the stomach lining, increasing the risk of stomach ulcers and, over time, even colon cancer.
# High Blood PressureExcessive salt consumption can raise heart rate and blood pressure, eventually leading to hypertension.
# Decline in Cognitive FunctionRecent research indicates that high salt intake may negatively affect brain neurons, resulting in reduced cognitive abilities.
# IndigestionFrequent acidity or indigestion can be a sign of excess salt intake, as it can harm beneficial gut bacteria and irritate the stomach lining.