Why is salt bad for you
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Why is Salt Bad for You?
High Salt Intake and Blood Pressure
Salt and Hypertension
Excessive salt consumption is a well-established cause of high blood pressure (hypertension). Numerous studies have shown that high dietary salt intake is directly linked to elevated blood pressure levels, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes1 4 6. This relationship is particularly pronounced in individuals with salt-sensitive hypertension, a condition more prevalent among older adults, African Americans, and those with renal insufficiency or diabetes9.
Blood Pressure-Independent Effects
Interestingly, salt can also cause damage to various organs independent of its effects on blood pressure. High salt intake has been shown to adversely affect the heart, kidneys, vasculature, skin, brain, and bones through mechanisms involving heightened inflammation and oxidative stress3 5. These physiological changes can contribute to the development of diseases over time, even in the absence of hypertension.
Salt and Organ Damage
Kidney Disease
High sodium intake is a significant risk factor for kidney disease. Studies have found that excessive salt consumption can lead to renal damage and accelerate the progression of existing kidney conditions. This is particularly concerning for individuals undergoing dialysis, where salt restriction is crucial for managing the disease4 5 7.
Cardiovascular Damage
Beyond its role in hypertension, salt intake is also linked to direct cardiovascular damage. High salt levels can exacerbate conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy and contribute to the deterioration of heart function6 7. The secretion of cardiotonic steroids, which are promoted by high salt intake, has been implicated in the development of cardiac abnormalities, especially in advanced renal disease5.
Other Health Risks
Stomach Cancer and Osteoporosis
High salt intake has been identified as a rate-limiting factor for stomach cancer and is increasingly suggested as a major aggravating factor in osteoporosis. These conditions highlight the broader spectrum of health risks associated with excessive salt consumption7 10.
Autoimmune Diseases
Emerging research has also linked high salt intake to autoimmune diseases. For instance, a high-salt diet has been shown to accelerate autoimmune activity in models of multiple sclerosis. This connection underscores the complex interplay between salt, the immune system, and overall health8 9.
Public Health Implications
Recommendations and Controversies
Despite the overwhelming evidence of the adverse effects of high salt intake, there remains some controversy regarding the benefits of salt reduction. Some studies have reported neutral or indeterminate results, particularly in normotensive populations2. However, the general consensus supports the reduction of daily salt intake to mitigate health risks. Public health initiatives and salt reduction programs are considered cost-effective strategies to improve population health outcomes1 10.
Conclusion
In summary, excessive salt intake is detrimental to health due to its strong association with high blood pressure, organ damage, and various diseases. While individual responses to salt can vary, the overall evidence supports the need for reduced salt consumption to prevent hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, and other health issues. Public health measures aimed at lowering salt intake are essential for improving long-term health outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Is Salt Bad for You?
![Figure][1] Salt consumption has been studied intensely by a number of investigators across the world. In this issue of JACC: Heart Failure , we have a Perspective article from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) colleagues [(1)][2] with the new initiatives of FDA to improve restricting
Salt in health and disease--a delicate balance.
Reducing dietary salt intake may have clinically important effects on mortality or cardiovascular morbidity in normotensive or hypertensive populations.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedThe Influence of Dietary Salt Beyond Blood Pressure
High dietary salt can negatively affect various organ systems, irrespective of blood pressure, and may contribute to disease development over time.
Highly CitedHigh sodium intake increases blood pressure and risk of kidney disease. From the Science of Salt: A regularly updated systematic review of salt and health outcomes (August 2016 to March 2017)
Excessive sodium intake increases blood pressure and risk of kidney disease, with some studies showing benefits of salt restriction in chronic BP.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedSalt and its effect on blood pressure and target organ damage: new pieces in an old puzzle.
Reducing daily salt intake to 6 g/day is essential for maintaining good health, particularly in individuals with renal disease and those sensitive to salt sensitivity.
Highly CitedCardiovascular and other effects of salt consumption
Salt is one of the most important determinants of high blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk worldwide. However, a high salt intake has other adverse effects beyond those involving the cardiovascular system, so that there is renewed interest in the relationships between high salt intake and other diseases.
Highly CitedSalt—more adverse effects
High salt intake can cause serious health issues, including increased risk of stomach cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, and osteoporosis.
Highly CitedIs too much salt harmful? Yes
Excessive sodium intake is harmful, particularly for salt-sensitive risk groups, and stricter limits should be set than for young, healthy individuals.
Literature ReviewNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group Report on Salt in Human Health and Sickness: Building on the Current Scientific Evidence.
High dietary salt intake may contribute to the development of various diseases, including hypertension, autoimmune activity, and kidney disease, but its direct role in these diseases remains unclear.
Rigorous JournalSalt Reduction to Prevent Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.
Lowering salt intake lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and other conditions, making it a cost-effective and essential public health measure.
Literature Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited