Salt, Modern Threat To Health

Particular salts are molecules formed by binding of complementary electrical charges ions. />Electrolytes are dissolved in water, fulfilling important functions in the body, such as establishing the electrical impulses of the nervous system and help absorb nutrients.Excessive consumption of salt is definitely a factor for hypertension. Both have increased dramatically in the past 30 years in the United States, bringing the average intake to 4,000 milligrams a day, twice the recommended, and 110 million Americans considered hypertensive or pre-hypertensive.The evils of hypertensionAlthough salt intake is not the only cause of hypertension, it is the principal. Other factors are the cause overeating, animal protein, smoking and drinking. Is also more likely if you have a family history, and often is linked to kidney problems, thyroid, hormonal dysfunction, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, nervous tension.High blood pressure can damage the nervous system, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, shoulder problems, heart problems and constipation. It is estimated that by simply reducing salt intake by half could save up to 1.5 trillion dollars in twenty years in medical expenses.Salt is the problem.Reducing salt intake is an extremely easy task. Over two thirds of our intake comes from processed foods, especially cheese, ham, dressing, bread and pastries. If we consume these products or produce at home, and if we become aware of the damage that salt generated in our body, we can prevent hypertension.Another part of the problem is that it is not only large amounts of salt in processed foods, but salt is processed to make it the worst quality of salt: sodio.La chloride salt is naturally rich in other minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which help the body maintain a balance of blood pressure.Meet sodium salt is not: sea salt and other healthy varieties for youAlso, table salt chemicals are added to moisten least bleach, iodine and fluorine (read about avoiding fluoride in your toothpaste), making it more harmful to health.Where does the sodium we consumeAccording to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, about 10 percent of the sodium we consume comes from water and food. Distilled water that many companies offer, low-sodium, trace minerals, it is actually harmful to health. Take two or three liters of this water, but helps eliminate excess sodium, decompensation and minerals from the body takes to multiply their kidneys work.Another 10 percent is added when we eat and when cooked, although the average varies greatly according to the habits of each person. Just one teaspoon of table salt contains all the sodium we consume in a day. Still cooking at home, many people exceed this amount in each dish.The main source of salt in modern American diet, about 77 percent comes from processed foods, many of which ingest them when we eat away from home.Sodium chloride is used in meats to prevent the formation of bacteria, and to generate texture sausages. (Read more about additives harmful to health).Much salt is enoughSalt consumption varies depending on the person and the physical, environmental and diet. A macrobiotic person has no need to add salt to your food. If anything uses it to create balance in a dish, use unrefined sea salt.Salt intake also varies according to season and food. On a diet of spring, for example, you need a little salt, but we need to use more in winter.In general, the sodium we consume should be between 500 and 2,400 milligrams per day.However, there food market exceeding this limit in a single portion. For example, some fries with ranch dressing averaged 4.890 milligrams sodium. A bagel from Dunkin Donut's salt, 4.520 milligrams. A burger Swanson goes up to 5.410 milligrams. And the list could be endless.If a single food exceed the salt we eat all day, how much salt accumulates with the rest of our food?SolutionsThese three tips are basic to life again low in sodium and free of health hazards associated with high blood pressure.

    The first step is to avoid processed foods as much as possible. Especially cold meats, cheeses and pastries.
    Use salt substitutes home, untreated sea salt (Celtic salt is an excellent choice), potassium-containing salt diet eliminating tender. At first find the food bland, but after a week you will find that things really have taste: desintoxicarás your palate.
    Finally, try to use other ingredients instead of salt to enhance the flavor of your food. Many spices can replace the salt and give interesting flavors to your meals. Experiment with cilantro, marjoram, pepper, basil, sage, parsley, rosemary, nutmeg, tarragon, cumin ...