What happens in the body when you consume too much salt and how to replace it

Salt consumption has a very important function for the body. It regulates the body’s water balance, intervenes in some muscle and nervous functions and also participates in digestion and bone structure.

Although, as the note on the Body Mind website makes clear, its habitual excess is associated hypertension and the kidney stonesamong other conditions.

How do you know if you are consuming too much? In addition to specific diagnoses, it is important to take into account some warning signs.

Constant thirst

It is essential to respond to this need to generate mineral balance. It should also be considered that it can indicate the presence of type 1 diabetes.

swelling in the face

It is especially noticeable with edema around the eyes and swollen cheeks. The reason is that salt promotes fluid retention and tissue inflammation.

Weight gain

Since salt promotes water retention and this contributes to overweight.

Frequent headaches

Especially when they manifest themselves in the form of punctures and pressure in the temple area, as salt affects the dilation of blood vessels.

Edema

This accumulation of water in certain points of the body tissue can cause, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness or an epileptic attack.

kidney stones

As mentioned in the first paragraphs of this note, it is one of the most frequently associated health conditions salt consumption. The explanation, as the note on the Body Mind website says, is that the concentration of salt favors the formation of crystals which, over time, will form the calculations.

Hypertension

In the long term, salt causes the heart to work faster and with greater pressure.

How to regulate your salt intake

The World Health Organization recommends consuming 5 grams of salt per day. To avoid exceeding this amount, the suggestion is to adapt the following habits.

• Prefer natural ingredients.

• Limit processed foods and cured meats as much as possible.

• Season with fresh or dried herbs.

• Season with citrus-based vinaigrette.

• Cook on the grill, as this concentrates the flavors more.

It is important to clarify that these indications are indicative and do not replace professional diagnosis. If you have a worrying symptom, see your family doctor.