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Salt, a seemingly harmless kitchen staple, can pose serious health risks when consumed in excess. While essential for flavor, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that most people consume roughly twice the recommended daily amount of salt. This overconsumption can trigger a cascade of negative effects throughout the body, impacting everything from blood pressure to brain function.
The Ripple Effect of Too Much Salt
excessive sodium intake doesn’t just affect one area of your health; it has a systemic impact. Understanding these effects is crucial for making informed dietary choices.
Elevated Blood Pressure and Heart Strain
Excessive salt intake leads to water retention, increasing blood volume and forcing the heart to work harder. Cardiology Specialist Dr. ayลen Karaduman explains that excess sodium creates pressure on vessel walls, paving the way for hypertension. Long-term high blood pressure can lead to severe complications like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure [[1]].
Kidney Overload and Potential Failure
The kidneys filter excess sodium from the body through urine. However, consistently high salt intake overburdens these organs. Expert Dietitian elif Demir warns that excessive salt can disrupt kidney vessel structure,potentially leading to renal failure. Moreover, excess sodium elevates calcium levels, increasing the risk of kidney stones [[2]].
