While a small intake of sodium is good for the body as part of the essential daily nutrient, ingesting an excessive amount of salt (sodium) daily can be detrimental to human health and wellbeing. High intake of sodium is one of the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and, stroke. Evidence shows the correlation between high salt intake and hypertension. It is recommended that people consume about 2g of salt per day combined with daily exercises. It is recommended that people consume about 2g of salt per day as part of dietary modification to improve their cardiovascular health and kidney function. Several controlled trials have shown the benefit of reducing salt intake in preventing the risk developing high blood pressure (O’Donell, et al, 2014).
High sodium intake not only predisposes people to high blood pressure but has a huge negative impact on overweight, obese, and elderly individuals. High sodium intake also plays a huge role in our cells especially our blood vessels (peripheral resistance leading to HTN) as they become stiff and organs such as causing loss of albumin in urine and leading to progression of kidney disease. Evidence supports dietary modification of sodium intake leads to the reduction of hypertension and leading to decrease morbidity and mortality (Aaron & Sanders,2013).
It is recommended to restrict sodium intake which is one of the risks of HTN and exercise regularly three to four times weekly for 30 minutes each to prevent the risk of developing kidney disease, strokes and, CVD.
Written by Tessy
References
O’Donnell, M., Mente A., & Yusuf., S. (2014). Evidence Relating Sodium Intake to Blood Pressure and CVD. 16(10):529. doi: 10.1007/s11886-014-0529-9. PMID: 25297880.
Aaron, K.J., Sanders, P.W. (2013). Role of Dietary Salt and Potassium intake in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: A Review of the Evidence. 88(9):987-95. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.06.005. PMID: 24001491; PMCID: PMC3833247.
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