IS SALT HARMS YOU?
Salt contains sodium, which increases blood pressure (BP). High blood pressure can lead to heart diseases like heart attacks and heart failure. High BP can also cause strokes, kidney damage, and premature death. For patients with weakened heart function, excessive salt intake can cause breathlessness and swelling in the legs.
How much salt should be consumed daily?
- A healthy person should consume less than 2.3 grams (less than half a teaspoon) of salt daily.
- People with high blood pressure and those over 40 years old should consume less than 1.5 grams (less than a quarter teaspoon) of salt daily.
- The average Indian consumes about 11 grams (more than 2 teaspoons) of salt daily.
Can reducing salt intake significantly lower BP?
Absolutely. Reducing salt intake by 2.5 grams (half a teaspoon) in the diet can lower BP by approximately 10 mm Hg. For many people, the reason BP remains high despite taking medication is due to high salt intake in their diet.