HEART

Reducing salt intake to prevent cardiovascular disease

Salt is a mineral element that our body needs to function properly. However, too much salt is harmful to our health. Salt contributes to kidney and cardiovascular diseases, which are causing more and more deaths today. Salt consumption has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, it must be used wisely. There are different ways to reduce salt consumption. There are a few tips for eating less salt. But here too, you should be careful, because a lack of salt can also be harmful to your health.

The benefits of salt consumption

It is important to reduce salt consumption. However, salt helps keep our bodies in good general condition by helping to eliminate deposits. As a result, it prevents rheumatism, arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also acts on circulatory problems. It prevents throat infections and treats inflammations of the oral mucous membranes. It is also a calcium fixative. It combats allergies. It has a positive effect on the thyroid gland. Being rich in magnesium, it promotes a good mood. It promotes relaxation by relaxing the muscles. By moisturising the skin and renewing cells, it is useful against skin ageing. It ensures the transmission of impulses to the muscular and nervous tissues. It maintains the acid-base balance and that of the different liquids in the body.

The harmful effects of salt on the body

Too much salt in the body is bad for your health and promotes real dangers: you might as well reduce your salt intake. Over-consumption of salt leads to :

These are all good reasons to reduce salt consumption.

Ways to reduce salt consumption

For someone who is used to salt, a low-salt diet or food can be difficult to swallow. But in view of all its harms, reducing salt consumption would be the best way to keep fit and stay healthy. It is especially during shopping that you need to pay attention to the products you buy. To do this, you need to :

In the preparation of meals, herbs, aromatic vegetables and spices should be chosen to enhance the flavour of the dishes. They will help to reduce salt consumption. Below are the condiments that will enhance the flavour of the dishes without the need to add salt.

The combination of condiments such as lemon, herbs, spices and vegetables can replace salt.

The consequences of lack of salt on the body

Reducing salt consumption is beneficial to the body. But when the lack of salt is obvious, it causes side effects. It can be due to severe sweating after intense physical exercise or living in a hot country. The functions of the nervous system are impaired. The body is dehydrated. A drop in blood pressure is observed as well as muscle weakness. Abnormal tiredness is also a sign of sodium deficiency, as is the occurrence of frequent muscle cramps. Otherwise, kidney function may also deteriorate. A salt deficiency is made up by drinking salty drinks. A decrease in libido may occur and a loss of appetite. Loss of balance, dizziness and nausea and a drop in energy are all signs that indicate a sodium deficiency.

Pathologies linked to excess salt in the body

Too much salt in the body contributes to the development of various diseases. The main disease caused by too much salt in the body is high blood pressure. The heart has to work hard with the excess fluid retained in the body. With frequent high blood pressure, there is a risk of stroke or heart attack. The heart can also lose muscle strength over time. The blood flow is no longer sufficient to meet the body's various needs. This is known as heart failure. The patient is suffering from heart failure. To avoid all these illnesses, the doctor advises you to reduce your salt intake.