People who consume to much salt, nearly everyone in the US does, will lose more calcium in their urine. The more salt you eat the more calcium, which you do need, disappears!
In the body, your cells need a delicate balance of fluid (pH) for circulation, excess salt interferes with the normal balance of sodium. We really only need about 1,000 mg of sodium daily. (Salt is sodium on the mineral table.)
Salt may be zero calories but it will make you fat!
All that salt makes you retain water, such as; do you have bloating, swollen legs, etc? Salt addiction can make you fat; we need to control salt intake to slim down. Average American consumes 3,000 to 6,000 mg of salt per day!
To much sodium can change your metabolism which boosts insulin production, this tells the body to store more fat! The higher your insulin level the more fat you gain and that equals more weight!
Say NO to processed foods, the biggest source of sodium, is hidden in these commercial per-packaged foods. Crackers and frozen foods can have 80% sodium! One packet of ramen noodles, a staple for many students and elderly contains 1,350 mg of sodium!
Low salt, not No salt, is the best permanent way to eating! We do need some to maintain fluid balance, transmit nerve impulses and to contract and relax muscles. Two thirds of a teaspoon a day is plenty for most of us!
Yes there is such a thing as salt addiction because it triggers release of neurotransmitters in the brains pleasure center, so you will crave more salty food!
Its just like alcohol or nicotine, but this packs on the pounds.
Turn it all around. Slow down salt intake and you’ll drop the pounds. Drink more water, not sodas, they are high in sodium!
More facts about salt:
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In ancient times salt was traded in equal weight with gold!
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Canadian studies show that eating more than one teaspoon of salt daily could double your risk of cataracts.
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Taking cortisone drugs or anabolic steroids also causes more salt buildup.
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Over the counter medicines, like laxatives, sleep aides, and antacids all have increased amounts of sodium.
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High Sodium can stress the kidneys which can result in hypertension.
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15-25% of Americans are “salt sensitive” and experience sharp spikes in Blood Pressure after consuming sodium.
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Using sea salt is better for it has a good mineral content versus table salt which is iodized, bleached and has aluminum added!
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There is also “sodium deficiency” which can cause low blood pressure, weakness, nausea, and tissue dehydration. So can excessive sweating, fevers and diuretics.
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One teaspoon of salt equals about 2300 mg of sodium.
Use whole unprocessed, fresh fruits and veggies they contain virtually no sodium, only what may be natural.
Substitute herbs and spices for salt, to increase food flavors. Good suggestions are Miso,Tamari, or Braggs liquid amines.
Other suggestions to lower salt intake:
Eat the Mediterranean Diet.
Eat more potassium rich foods to improve high blood pressure.
Hibiscus Tea is a respected remedy in many countries for high blood pressure.
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