Salt is inseparable part of our diet. It is not only required for taste in food but also for proper functioning of our body. But it is very important to monitor the amount of salt in our daily diet. Excessive salt intake is responsible for various health problems.
WHO recommended maximum dose of salt required by a healthy individual.
- 0-12 months: less than 1gm
- 1 to 3 years: 2g salt a day (0.8g sodium)
- 4 to 6 years: 3g salt a day (1.2g sodium)
- 7 to 10 years: 5g salt a day (2g sodium)
- 11 years and over: 5g salt a day (2.4g sodium)
Health problems due to excess salt in the body:
- Hypertension and high blood pressure
- Amount of iron present in blood decreases and results in stomach acidity
- Person feels more hungry and eats more that causes obesity
- More sodium in the body means water retention and swelling in hands, feet. This happens to balance excessive sodium with fluid.
- More salt increases the risk of stomach cancer
- Too much salt increase burden on kidney that causes kidney problem, stones and even kidney failure.
There are food items available in markets which are very high in sodium content. Some of them are salted meat, processed foods, soya sauce, pickles, ketchup, chips, salted peanuts and popcorns. It is better to avoid such food items. If you are suffering from heart disease and kidney problems then salt intake should be as low as possible.