DHAKA: Too much salt is bad for you, particularly because it is associated with an increased risk of heart problems.

If often ingested in large quantities of salt which contains Sodium can lead to a range of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension.

In ancient times, salt was used sparingly to season and preserve food. Today, we have an embarrassment of riches, and modern humans consume more salt than is good for them. 

But the biggest contributor to our sodium consumption is not the salt shaker: Approximately 75 percent of the sodium we eat comes from sodium added to processed and restaurant-made foods.

The World Health Organization (WHO) say that a person should not consume more than 2 grams of sodium per day, which is about 5 grams of salt per day.

Salt makes your body hold on to water. If you eat too much salt, the extra water stored in your body raises your blood pressure. So, the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure.

So, to lower your blood pressure, you need to reduce salt intake.

The higher your blood pressure, the greater the strain on your heart, arteries, kidneys and brain. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes, dementia and kidney disease.

Also, eating too much salt may mean that blood pressure medicines (such as diuretics) don't work as well as they could.

Headaches could be caused by adding too much salt to your diet, after scientists revealed migraine sufferers had excess amounts of sodium in the fluid around their brain.

Scientists found people who have severe migraines had more sodium in their cerebrospinal fluid.

Tips to Reduce Salt Intake 

Read the Nutrition Facts label.

Prepare your own meals.

Buy fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Add spices to your food. Instead of salt, try coriander, black pepper, parsley, cumin, ginger, marjoram, garlic or onion powder, bay leaf, oregano or dry mustard.

Reduce portion size; less food means less

BDST: 1041 HRS, AUG 23, 2019
RS