Salt is a seasoning that can flavor food and act as a preservative. It is composed of two minerals, about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. While salt is not inherently bad, consuming too much of it can lead to health complications. Here are some reasons why:
- Increased thirst: Eating too much salt can make you very thirsty, which might encourage you to drink more water.
- Bloating: Consuming too much salt can cause bloating, which is when your stomach feels swollen or tight. It helps your body retain water, so extra fluid builds up.
- Poor sleep quality: Eating too much salt before bed can lead to disturbances in your sleep. Signs can range from restless sleep to waking up often at night to not feeling rested in the morning.
- High blood pressure: Consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Kidney damage: Consuming too much salt can damage the kidneys, which can lead to kidney disease.
- Bone damage: There is some evidence that too much salt can be bad for bones.
It is recommended that adults eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, which is about one teaspoon of table salt. Most Americans consume about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, which is far more than our bodies need.
