29th June, 2020
Be it pink or white, a pinch of salt is essential for good health. Of course, given the amount of natural salt present in almost all foods we consume daily, it’s important to keep track to prevent health issues caused by excess intake. On the other hand, a very strict diet could cause a drop in sodium (salt = sodium + chloride), which is needed to help in nerve and muscle function, control blood volume, and maintain electrolyte and fluid balance along with potassium.
The requirement of sodium per person varies depending on their physical activity, sweating. Here are a few guidelines by several institutes:
-As per Institute of Medicine (IOM), a healthy individual needs 186mg of sodium per day.
-World health organisation (WHO) suggests intake of 2000mg of sodium per day.
-American Heart Association (AHA) suggests intake of 1500mg of sodium per day.
It is recommended to keep the salt intake to less than 5gm per day to prevent risk of high blood pressure and coronary heart ailment.
What will happen if you consume less salt?
What should be a complete NO-NO?
Who should restrict salt intake?
Under the guidance of physician/ nutritionist patients with high blood pressure/ swelling problems/ who have salt sensitivity should restrict salt intake. From a point of view of a healthy lifestyle, everyone should avoid adding extra table salt. Whatever is used in cooking suffices the daily needs.
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