Salt Plays an important role in many functions of your body. It helps maintain fluid balance, nerve function and muscle contraction. Salt is mainly composed of sodium chloride which is an essential mineral for the human body. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults consume less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day of salt (just under a teaspoon).

However, many people consume salt in excess. This can have serious effects on your health, especially your heart. Therefore, it is important that you consume salt as per the recommended level.

Here, see what happens to your body when you consume salt in excess.

increase in blood pressure

Consuming more than 5 grams of salt a day can cause excess water to accumulate in your body. This extra fluid increases your blood pressure, which increases the workload on your heart and arteries. And this ultimately causes high blood pressure.

pressure on kidneys

The kidneys filter excess salt from the blood. When you consume too much salt, your kidneys have to work harder and over time, this can reduce their efficiency. It can also increase the risk of fluid retention, swelling and kidney disease.

swelling and water retention

Consuming excess salt causes excess water to accumulate in the body, causing water retention. This results in swelling, inflammation, and discomfort, especially in the hands, feet, and face.

risk of heart disease

Excessive salt leads to high blood pressure which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Over time, the extra pressure on the blood vessels and heart can increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

electrolyte imbalance

Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps balance fluids in your body. Too much salt can affect this balance, causing symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and muscle cramps.

dehydration

Excessive salt intake can cause your body to use water from your cells to balance sodium levels. This can make you feel thirsty and dehydrated, as your body tries to balance the extra salt.

risk of osteoporosis

Eating too much salt can lead to calcium loss through urine. Over time, this can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in older adults, as calcium is important for maintaining bone health.

stomach problems

Excessive salt intake has also been linked to an increased risk of stomach problems, including gastric cancer. Excess salt can affect the inner lining of the stomach and help the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which is linked to stomach ulcers and cancer.

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