How Do You Know If You’re Eating Too Much Salt?
If you find yourself needing to add more and more salt to your food to make it taste good, then you are probably eating too much salt.
Dr. Mayor Boss, PhD
Most of us know that we should be cutting down on our salt intake, but it’s not always easy to do. Salt is hidden in so many foods, and it’s hard to avoid when we’re eating out. Plus, let’s be honest. Food just tastes better with a little salt. But the truth is that most of us are eating way more salt than we should be, and it can have some pretty serious consequences for our health. It increases your blood pressure, and many studies have linked it to an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and osteoporosis as well.
How do you know if you’re eating too much salt?
Here are some signs to look out for:
1. You are always thirsty
If you find yourself feeling thirsty all the time, it could be a sign that you are eating too much salt. When you consume too much salt, your body holds onto water to try to dilute the concentration of salt in your blood. This can lead to dehydration and increased thirst. To make up for this, drink plenty of water.
2. You need to urinate a lot
If you eat foods high in salt, your kidneys have to work harder to remove the excess salt from your body. This makes you pee more.
3. You have high blood pressure
High blood pressure is another common sign that you’re eating too much salt. High salt intake causes our bodies to retain water, which increases blood volume and leads to higher blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to cut back on salt and speak with your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure.
ALSO READ: 9 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
4. You have swollen hands or feet
Swelling in the hands or feet can be a sign that you are eating too much salt. Why? When you eat too much salty food, your body holds onto water. This extra water causes swelling in your hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs. If you notice that your rings are tighter than usual or that your shoes feel snug, cut back on the salt.
5. You always have a headache
Headaches can be caused by a number of things, but one common culprit is dehydration. When we eat salty foods, our bodies retain water to balance out the high sodium levels. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even dizziness. If you find yourself popping ibuprofen daily, it might be time to take a closer look at your salt intake.
6. You’re bloated all the time
Like I said before, salty foods make our bodies retain water to balance out the sodium levels. This can lead to bloating, especially in the abdomen area.
Conclusion
Excess salt intake can lead to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other conditions. It’s important to be aware of the signs that your body is trying to tell you that you’re eating too much salt so that you can cut back and improve your health. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s a good idea to reduce your salt intake and speak with your doctor.
ALSO READ: How To Flush Out Sodium From Your Body
