Food is a fundamental part of anyone’s life. It offers everything the body needs to have energy and be able to carry out daily activities. The problem begins when the diet is not adequate or with portions lower or higher than those indicated. With this in mind, especially the Excessive consumption of salt can trigger various diseases and conditions. That is why it is essential that a correct control prevails.
All the risks that it causes
In this regard, the specialist in Internal Medicine of the General Hospital “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Joana Balderas Juárez, elaborated on this situation. Consuming excess sodium or salt, that is, more than five grams per day, It can cause fluid retention and weight gain. This forces the liver, kidneys and heart to work above their normal levels, with the consequent risk of alterations in their function and Gastrointestinal disorders.
He clarified that the consumption of salt in adequate amounts contributes to the good performance of the muscles, heart and kidney. It also helps the brain control nerve impulses, cell function, and maintains the pH of the blood in balance.
For its part, high salt intake in the daily diet is one of the most important risk factors related to diseases such as high blood pressure, second cause of external consultation and ninth of death in the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (Issste).
It also has to do with the heart disease and stroke, that in Mexico causes about 170 thousand cerebral infarctions a year.
To reduce the risk of getting sick, a healthy diet is necessary and avoid the consumption of ultra-processed, frozen and canned foods, with excess salt and fat. Although sweet in appearance, the taste disguises another substance that contains excess salt, such as diet sodas, juices, and frozen vegetables.
Balderas Juárez warned that approximately half of the salt that people consume is found in products in which it is not perceived. For this reason, he made a call to carefully read the packaging and nutritional information, especially the front labeling.
The right amount of salt to consume
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) state that 75 percent of the global population consumes twice the ideal amount of salt or sodium, which should not exceed five grams, equivalent to a coffee spoon. People suffering from a chronic degenerative disease should only consume half the recommended dose.
He suggested avoiding the consumption of potato chips and other similar products. Also use condiments without salt, replace it with herbs, spices and other flavorings. Similarly, reduce the amount in foods that are prepared at home and remove the salt shaker from the table.
Joana Balderas highlighted the importance of raise awareness of the need for a balanced diet low in salt and fat, that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and plain water.
In this case, the role played by health professionals is essential. In particular, members of the first level of care must promote healthy habits and teach patients to interpret food labeling; especially if they suffer from high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes or have problems urinating, among others. It is also advisable to warn about the different diseases generated by the consumption of excess salt.
All this comes to mind for the World Salt Awareness Week. It is commemorated every year from March 14 to 20 with the aim that the population consume salt in adequate amounts. In that sense, the problem is not that this product is added to food, but the quantities. For the same reason, it is important to maintain control at all times.