The salt in foods has a valuable place in maintaining fluid stability in the body. Provides blood pressure regulation and fluid stability Salt, which has antiseptic properties, is used as a preservative in the storage of various foods. However, when consumed in large quantities, it causes many health problems. Studies show that eating very salty foods increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage and cardiovascular diseases.
In studies conducted in our country, it has been determined that our salt consumption is above the price recommended by the World Health Organization. World Health Organization; It recommends the amount of salt that should be consumed daily as 5 grams per day in order to be protected from hypertension, heart diseases, kidney diseases, obesity, diabetes and some types of cancer and not to adversely affect bone health.
According to the “Salt Consumption Study in Turkish Society” conducted by the Turkish Hypertension and Kidney Diseases Association in 2008, it has been determined that our salt consumption is 18 grams per day.
Excessive salt consumption is the basis of many chronic diseases. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart diseases, which is the most valuable cause of death in our country. Due to the high consumption of salt increases the amount of calcium in the urine, calcium loss occurs in the bones, increasing the risk of fracture in the bones and leading to osteoporosis. In addition, it has been determined that high salt consumption is closely related to the development of stomach cancer and kidney diseases.
Reducing daily salt consumption in adults helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and heart attack. Since salt reduces the activity of the intestines, it can cause vitamin deficiency and intestinal disorders
To reduce salt consumption;
- Labels of purchased products should be read strictly, and salt-free or reduced-salt foods should be preferred.
- Spices should be used instead of salt to increase the taste of food.
- Mineral waters have high sodium content, so before consuming mineral water, the sodium content should be checked and the low sodium content should be preferred.
- Pickles, canned goods, ketchup and ready-made sauces have a high salt content. These foods should not be consumed in excess.
- Vegetable and fruit consumption should be increased.
- Fresh and salt-free foods should be preferred forever.
- Salt shakers should not be placed on the table.
