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Too much salt might be dangerous
We all depend on salt intake for a healthy meal. However, there has always been a controversy whether how much salt is healthy for our body.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults should consume around one teaspoon of salt every day, which is less than 2.300 milligrams of sodium. Unfortunately, the statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that roughly 90 percent of the United States children and adults consume more than the recommended level of salt intake.
More precisely, adults consume over 3.400 milligrams of sodium every day. According to Tom Frieden, CDC Director, these reports prove how critical the situation is nowadays in the United States. He also stated that something must be done quickly in order to reduce the salt intake that could be very dangerous for the health of every citizen.
Furthermore, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took active measures this month by prompting companies to reduce the sodium level in processed foods. In addition to this, the sodium intake from these foods consists of approximately 75 percent of the entire salt consumption in the US.
The FDA aims to lower the present salt consumption to the 2.300 milligrams every day, which is the recommended level given by experts.
It is also worth mentioning that the reports from the American Heart Association (AHA) showed that about 90 percent of the sodium intake in every American’s diet originated from sodium chloride, which was mostly used in processed foods to increase flavor and preservation. Also, it is still used in table salt.
Nevertheless, other scientists believe that such a small consumption of 2.300 milligrams of salt every day might increase the risk of developing illnesses instead of preventing them. Salt is a valuable asset because it contributes in the process of bodily fluids regulation, supports muscle and nerve function.
Plus, salt also provides an active defense against dangerous bacteria and drops off the risk of harmful infections. On the other hand, excessive salt consumption might increase the possibility of heart disease, stroke, hypertension and other health problems.
Worse, a high salt intake in your everyday diet might also increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis and liver damage. Nevertheless, further research is needed in order to establish the optimum level of salt intake.
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