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Sodium chloride, commonly known as salt, is made up of 40% sodium and 60% chloride by weight. As such, the terms salt and sodium are often used to mean the same thing.
These minerals are essential for the body to function properly; from muscle movements to the maintenance of the nervous system. A certain amount of salt is naturally present in most of the food we eat. However, extra salt is often artificially added to foods to further enhance the taste.
Clearly, salt is needed for our bodies to work, but do you know that too much salt is actually bad for us? So, how much salt is considered too much?
The recommended salt intake ranges from person to person depending on their medical condition and dietary restrictions.
American Heart Association recommends not more than 2,300 mg of sodium intake per day, and ideally not more than 1,500 mg for most adults, especially those with hypertension.
Consult a dietitian for a personalised meal plan to help manage your health conditions.
Excessive sodium intake has been linked to elevations in blood pressure, which could lead to other medical complications including hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
If possible, always opt for fresh whole food and make your own meals at home. Also,
If you have been living on a high-salt diet for most of your life, you are at risk of developing hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hypertension is often called the silent killer. Most people with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition as there may not be warning signs or symptoms. Sometimes, hypertension is only discovered when complications set in, for example, a stroke or heart attack. The only way to detect hypertension is through regular check-ups.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, go to the nearest Urgent Care Centre (UCC).