This blog is about the discussion on sodium (common salt) restriction among humans. If any one has prescribed a low-sodium diet by your health-care professional or need to follow a low-sodium diet to manage a specific medical condition, the following information below may not apply to you.
Sodium (Common salt) which is a vital ingredient in every day food preparation and consumption, is an electrolyte and is its main component.
Excess Sodium intake has been linked to high blood pressure and health bulletins and organisations recommend that one may limit sodium intake.
Most current guidelines recommend eating less than 2.300 mg per day. Some insist on as low as 1.500 mg per day.
HOWEVER, EVEN THOUGH TOO MUCH SODIUM CAUSES PROBLEMS, MIND YOU ALL,EATING TOO LITTLE CAN BE JUST AS UNHEALTHY.
Listed here below are 6 little-known dangers of restricting sodium intake.
1. May increase in insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is when your body's cells do not respond well to signals from the hormone insulin leading to higher insulin and blood sugar levels.
You should know that Insulin resistance is believed to be a major driver of many serious diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.
What you need to know:
Low sodium diets have been associated with an increased insulin resistance, a condition that causes high blood sugar and insulin levels.
2. No clear benefit or advantage for Heart disease
It is a fact that reducing one's sodium intake can reduce the blood pressure.
However, blood pressure is only a risk factor for disease. What is really significant is hard end points like heart attack or death.
One study found that less than 3.000 mg of sodium per day (intake) is linked to an increased risk of dying from heart disease, including heart diseases and strokes.
Not so comfortable, another study reported a higher risk of deaths from heart disease at the lower sodium levels that many guidelines current recommend.
In a 2011 review, reducing sodium didn't reduce the risk of dying from heart attacks or strokes, but it increased the risk of death from heart failure.
What you need to know:
Although the studies and research evidence is mixed, some observational studies show that low salt diets are linked to an increased risk of death from heart attacks or strokes. Controlled trials show no clear benefit.
3. Increased risk of death from heart failure
Heart failure is when the heart is not able to pump enough blood around the body to meet its needs for blood and oxygen.
That doesn't mean that one's heart stops working completely, but its still a very serious health issue.
Interestingly or surprisingly, low sodium diets have been linked to an increased risk of death in people with heart failure.
In fact, the effect was stronger - people who restricted their sodium take had a 160% higher risk of death. This is really concerning, as people with heart failure are often told or advised to limit their sodium intake.
Yet, the results were strongly influenced by only one study, so more research is awaited.
What you need to know:
There is some evidence that people with heart failure may have a risk of dying on a low sodium diet. However, more and more studies are required to confirm the fact.
4. May increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and Triglycerides (TGL)
Many factors can increase the risk of heart diseases, including elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides as some studies have pointed to the same.
In a 2003 review of studies, in healthy people, low sodium diets caused a 4.6% increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a 5.9% increase in triglycerides.
What you need to know:
Studies have found that limiting salt may raise LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, which are common risk factors for heart disease.
5. Increased risk of death for people with diabetes:
People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Understandably, many guidelines do exist for those with diabetes recommend limiting their salt intake.
However, some studies have found an association between low sodium intake and an increased risk of death among those with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
But these were observational studies and their results should be interpreted with caution.
What you need to know:
People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may have an increased risk of death on a low sodium diet which needs to be observed and studied further.
6. Higher risk of Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is a condition specified by low levels of sodium in the blood.
Its symptoms are similar to those caused by dehydration. In severe cases , the brain may swell, which can lead to headaches, seizures, coma and even death.
That is because older adults are more likely to have an illness or take medication that can reduce sodium levels in the blood.
Athletes, especially those who participate in long distance endurance events are also at a high risk of developing exercise-related hyponatremia. In their case, it is usually caused by drinking too much water and failing to replace the sodium that is lost through their profuse sweating.
What you need to know:
A condition called hyponatremia, or low blood sodium levels, may affect certain people like older adults and some athletes. Eating less salt raises the risk of this condition.
Conclusion:
Studies suggest that there is a "J" shaped curve when it comes to the effects of Sodium.
Too much may be harmful, but too little can also have serious consequences.
If you have a medical condition that requires a diet low in sodium, or if your medical doctor has advised you to limit sodium intake, by all means, continue to do so.
However, if you are a normal and healthy person trying to stay healthy, there is no good evidence that following a low sodium diet will improve your health.
Content courtesy
healthline.com
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