Introduction
Most of us know too much salt can be bad for the heart. So, how much salt is too much? And why does it matter? A cardiologist in Kolkata clears the saltiest queries about this matter in the following sections.
Salt and heart
Sodium is a mineral that we all require. It plays a part in the healthy function of nerves and muscles and helps keep the body’s fluid levels in the correct balance. But that fluid balance is delicate. Excessive sodium can lead to fluid retention, increasing blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke and heart failure.
So, one should keep tabs on their sodium, especially if they have high blood pressure or heart problem or risk of developing them.
Sodium recommendations
How much sodium is too much? Here’s what the guidelines say.
Recommended sodium guidelines
One should aim to keep sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams per day. That’s about 1 level teaspoon of salt, says the heart specialist in Kolkata.
If one has high blood pressure
People with enhanced blood pressure should be on a low-sodium diet, which means capping daily sodium at 2,300 mg at the highest. It’s ideal if one can cut it down to less than 1,500 mg per day. Lowering blood pressure is a vital way to reduce the risk of heart disease.
If one has heart failure
Doctors advise that people with heart failure should also consume a low-sodium diet. Excessive salt can cause fluid to build up around the lungs and heart, making the heart work harder.
Studies show that a limit of 2,000 mg per day of sodium is a good goal for heart failure, especially for those with high blood pressure. But there’s an important caveat. Some data suggest deficient levels of sodium may lead to worse outcomes in people with heart failure. Thus, one should discuss their sodium intake with their healthcare provider.
Tips for cutting salt from the diet
The heart specialist in Kolkata offers tips in the following section for keeping sodium levels in the healthy range:
Read labels
Check nutrition labels when buying packaged food. Some pantry staples of people often have more sodium than one can guess by tasting. Many other packaged foods can also be sources of sodium — even if they don’t taste particularly salty.
Get creative
One can look to other spices and seasonings to give a meal some gusto than letting salt do all the talking. One can kick the flavours up a notch by adding new spices available in the market and squeezing fresh lemon or herbs.
Be smart when dining out
Fear of salt shouldn’t hold one back from the occasional restaurant or takeout meal. But they should think about their choices ahead of time by ordering food and asking them to prepare it with no salt (one can add a bit to taste at the table.)
Don’t be fooled by fancy salt
Many people think that sea salt or Himalayan salt is better for their health than table salt. When it comes to sodium, they similarly affect blood pressure, says the heart doctor in Kolkata.Related Posts :
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