Dangers of Consuming Too Much Sodium

08:30am - July 10, 2013

Dangers of Consuming Too Much Sodium

You might be surprised to learn that sodium is an essential nutrient required for proper growth and development. Also known as salt, it’s responsible for regulating electrical impulses, nerves and muscle contractions. Unfortunately, however, far too many people consume too much sodium, placing them at risk for developing a number of different health conditions. To learn more about the dangers of high-sodium consumption, keep reading.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 90% consume too much sodium. This is a shocking statistic that should act as a wakeup call for those eating fast food and other processed, high-sodium foods on a daily basis. The human body needs approximately 180-500 mg of sodium to function properly. However, the average daily sodium intake is 3,436 mg. Now, THAT’S an incredibly high number that needs changing.

High Blood Pressure

One of the most common problems associated with sodium is the increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Because sodium regulated the body’s water balance, it will clog arteries and slow down bloodflow when there’s an excess amount; thus, resulting in high blood pressure. The good news is that reducing your sodium intake will have a near-instant effect by lowering your blood pressure.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US, taking the lives of 700,000-800,000 people each year. Studies have shown that diets high in sodium will increase an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Problems such as stroke, heart attack, clogged arteries and weakened valves are all commonly caused by excessive sodium consumption.

Bone and Joint Health

The adverse health effects of high sodium consumption doesn’t end here. Diets high in sodium limit the body’s ability to absorb calcium; this, leading to weaker bones and an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Even if you are taking calcium supplements and drinking low-fat milk on a daily basis, it could be offering little benefit if you are still consuming large amounts of sodium.

These are just a few of the many reasons why high sodium intake is bad. So, the next time you are thinking about picking up fast food or munching down on half a bag of chips, remember all of the adverse health effects listed here. Cardiovascular disease is a growing problem that takes the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year. Thankfully, we can reduce this number significantly by making smarter choices with our diet, starting with watching our sodium intake.