Excess salt: warning signs

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Extract from the article: Salt plays a crucial role in the body, but excessive consumption can have harmful consequences for health. Nutritionists warn of the harmful effects of excess salt on the body. They have identified four warning signs. It is essential to be aware of t

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Salt plays a crucial role in the body, but excessive consumption can have harmful consequences for health. Nutritionists warn of the harmful effects of excess salt on the body. They have identified four warning signs. It is essential to be aware of these signs and to monitor your salt intake to protect your health.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) sets the limit for salt consumption at 5 grams a day, or 1 teaspoon. However, most people consume much more than this, averaging 9 to 12 grams a day - double the maximum recommended by the WHO. Nutritionists have identified four symptoms that may indicate excessive salt consumption.

Frequent urination

After eating a salty meal, people feel excessively thirsty and tend to drink a lot of fluids. This excessive thirst is a common reaction to eating salty foods. This leads to an increase in fluid consumption, resulting in excessive urination. In this way, the body tries to eliminate the excess salt that has accumulated.

Migraines

Excessive salt consumption can lead to severe dehydration and headaches. These headaches are generally more intense than mild headaches. They may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness due to the dilation of blood vessels. Rehydrating can help reduce these headaches. But they can appear more quickly in people with high blood pressure or chronic headaches.

Swollen hands and feet

Swollen hands and feet can be a sign of excessive salt consumption. When too much salt is consumed, the body retains extra sodium. This leads to an increase in fluid outside the cells. This can disrupt kidney function, lead to fluid retention and increase blood pressure. Swelling generally appears several hours after eating salty foods.

High blood pressure

Excessive salt consumption is considered to be one of the risk factors for high blood pressure. In just 30 minutes after consuming too much salt, the body reacts by causing a reaction in the blood vessels. Symptoms such as blurred vision, chest pain, palpitations or sudden nosebleeds after eating salty food may indicate high blood pressure.

Raymond DZAKPATA