Is Salt Bad For You?

Salt, much like any other food, should be consumed in moderation. In fact, small amounts of salt are required in your diet to carry out normal body functions like:

.Maintaining the right balance of fluids in your body
.Transmitting nerve impulses
.Contracting and relaxing of muscles

So rather than focusing purely on whether or not salt is bad for you, ask yourself, “HOW MUCH salt is bad for my overall health?”

How Much Salt Is Too Much?

While some organizations recommend 2,300 mg as a maximum daily sodium intake, the American Heart Association suggests limiting salt consumption to 1,500 mg daily. Why such an aggressive approach? Well, the fact is, many Americans’ salt diet far exceeds the recommended amount, and this is leading to negative health outcomes.

Health Implications of High Salt Diets

When we consume too much salt, the body compensates by retaining water to dilute the salt. If you’ve ever felt bloated, this could be why. This increase of water starts a ripple effect: more water = more fluid around cells = more blood in the bloodstream = more pressure on vessels. High blood pressure increases one’s risk of heart attack or stroke because of damage to blood vessels.

Salt Culprits

I hate to break it to you, but most salt consumption doesn’t actually come from a salt shaker. Your best option to lower the salt in your diet is to avoid highly processed foods and eating out. Here are five salty culprits you should steer clear of:

.Highly processed breads

.Cold cuts and cured meats
.Pizza
.Canned soups
.Sandwiches

The good news is that a preference for saltiness is a learned response. You’ll likely find that you can train your body to prefer lower salt concentrations in food.

Bottom Line

Salt, in itself, is not bad for you. Unless you have too much in your diet. Make sure to keep an eye on your intake by tracking your diet in a program.