SALT<\/p>\n
According to Britannica sodium chloride, (NaCl), is a mineral substance of great importance to human and animal health, as well as to industry. Its mineral form, halite or rock salt, is sometimes called common salt to distinguish it from a class of chemical compounds called salts.
\nUSES
\nSalt is estimated to have more than 14,000 different uses. These are:
\n1.\tAdding to food to enhance the flavour. This is its most common use.
\n2.\tPreservation of meat\/food.
\n3.\tThroat gargle: \u00bd teaspoon salt to 250ml of water.
\n4.\tIt gives our oceans healing properties.
\n5.\tExtinguishing grease fires: On the stove, in the oven; just douse fire with salt.
\n6.\tIt has also been used in tanning, dyeing and bleaching of leather; and the production of pottery, soap, and chlorine. Today, it is widely used in the chemical industry.
\n7.\tSalt can be used as a disinfectant agent.
\n8.\tIt can be used as a cleaning agent.
\n9.\tA little salt added to cake icings prevents them from sugaring.
\n10.\tRelieving bee stings . If stung, immediately wet the spot and cover with salt to relieve the pain.
\n11.\tDeodorizing shoes – Sprinkling a little salt in canvas shoes occasionally will take up the moisture and help remove odours.<\/p>\n
BENEFITS
\nDaily Recommendation: The American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Health Organization recommend a maximum intake of no more than 1,500 mg a day, or just over half a teaspoon of table salt.
\nSodium makes up 40 percent of salt. If a food label lists sodium instead of salt, multiply the figure by 2.5 for an accurate amount of the salt content.
\nAll body fluids and tissues have salt. Too much or too little salt can cause problems. Salt is beneficial to the body in the following ways:
\n1.\tTo maintain fluid balance. Salt promotes healthy hydration levels and electrolyte balance.
\n2.\tFor muscle and nerve function.
\n3.\tPrevents Low Blood Pressure.
\n4.\tHelps Thyroid Function Properly.
\n5.\tImproves Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
\n6.\tPeople living with cystic fibrosis lose more salt in their sweat than the average person. They need more water and salt in their diet to avoid dehydration. If you have this condition, consult your doctor to see how much salt you need daily based on your activity level.<\/p>\n
WHEN HIGH SALT CONSUMPTION IS NOT ADVISED
\nAvoid high intake of processed, restaurant, and convenience foods.
\nInfants under one year should not be given salt because their kidneys are not matured.
\nToo much sodium has been linked to health problems such as:
\nOsteoporosis
\nKidney disease
\nKidney stones
\nHigh blood pressure (Hypertension)
\nCardiovascular disease <\/p>\n
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SALT
\nThe human body regulates how much sodium it contains. If levels are too high, we get thirsty, and the kidneys speed up the process of getting rid of it.
\nPeople with high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases should be especially vigilant in keeping their intake below the 1,500 mg threshold.<\/p>\n
LOW BODY SALT
\nToo little sodium can lead to hyponatremia, and symptoms of dizziness, confusion, muscle twitches and seizures. Low sodium levels can result if there is too much fluid in the body, i.e. fluid retention. Diuretics are given in this case, to reduce fluid retention.
\no\tLow sodium in the body may be caused by:
\no\tA blockage in the small intestine
\no\tDiarrhoea and vomiting
\no\tAddison\u2019s disease (adrenal glands disorder)
\no\tAn underactive thyroid
\no\tHeart failure
\no\tDrinking too much water
\no\tBurns
\nIf sodium levels fall in the blood, this affects brain activity. The person may feel sluggish and lethargic. They may experience muscle twitches, followed by seizures, a loss of consciousness, coma, and death. If sodium levels fall quickly, this may happen very fast.<\/p>\n
EXCESS SODIUM INTAKE
\nThe American Heart Association (AHA) explains that when there is too much sodium in the blood, it \u201cpulls more water into the bloodstream.\u201d As the volume of blood increases, the heart has to work harder to pump it around the body. In time, this can stretch the walls of the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to damage.
\nThe AHA urges people to consume more potassium at the same time as reducing their sodium intake. Potassium is believed to lessen the negative effects of sodium.<\/p>\n
Sodium has also been shown to over-stimulate the immune system, suggesting a link with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, allergies, and other conditions.<\/p>\n
Researchers have found that children who consume salty foods are more likelyto have a sugary drink with it. The combination could increase the risk of obesity.<\/p>\n
WAYS TO REDUCE SALT INTAKE
\n\uf0a7\tEat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
\n\uf0a7\tSkip\/reduce processed foods, like cured meats, canned goods, bagged items, and frozen foods.<\/p>\n
\uf0a7\tRead labels of canned goods or processed items to watch out for more than 200 mg of sodium per serving. Bear in mind that a product labelled \u201cno salt\u201d may have other ingredients that contain sodium.
\n\uf0a7\tCook without salt. Experiment with herbs and spices for flavouring, such as oregano, garlic, thyme, chili powder, rosemary, and any other seasoning in your cupboard.
\n\uf0a7\tAvoid adding salt at the table.
\n\uf0a7\tPrepare your own food. Restaurant items contain higher amounts of sodium to keep the food fresh. Cook your own food to control the sodium. Before eating out, check a restaurant\u2019s nutritional menu online to find low-sodium selections.
\nIf you\u2019re watching your salt intake, be mindful of natural sources of sodium. Meat, dairy products, bread, and shellfish all contain sodium, so be sure to regulate your intake of these foods.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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