I thought this article was really interesting especially as I like my salt.
What can too much salt do to you?
Too much salt is known to cause high blood pressure, which can then result in heart diseases. A sudden hit of salt, such as when eating a packet of crisps, could trigger flushes/sweats and palpitations. Too much salt can also contribute to dehydration, which in turn can cause anxiety, flushes, palpitations, joint pains and dry skin. It is also thought that falling oestrogen levels can make women more salt-sensitive, so even though you may not be taking more than usual it could start having a greater negative effect on your general health.
What foods contain salt?
Just about all processed foods, ready meals, sauces, etc., will have salt in them, including things you may not suspect, such as cereals and tins of tomatoes. Are you aware just how much you are putting on your food at meal times every day on top of what is already in your food? The healthy limit is supposed to be 6g (1 level tsp) per day but many people are unwittingly taking way over this amount!
How can I cut my salt intake down?
The best thing to do is to avoid processed foods etc and slowly reduce your intake at the dinner table.
Here is something you may not know – When you eat a lot of salt, the salt receptors in your tongue start to shut down to protect themselves against the bombardment. This is why people often find that they need increasing amounts of salt in order to ‘taste' food. The good news is that when you reduce your salt intake the receptors eventually start to wake back up and you become far more able to taste the saltiness of mildly seasoned food. Give yourself a few days on a low salt diet and see for yourself.
Please be aware that not all salts are the same!
White table salt is the equivalent of white bread – it has been processed and all the goodness taken out to make it more visually appealing. Real salt such as Sea Salt, Celtic Salt or Himalayan Salt is very different and contains a huge range of minerals necessary for our health. These salts are what is called ‘unrefined', are not white, and are considered beneficial in small amounts.
Honeyb
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