by The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council
Did you know that when you consume too much salt it can negatively affect your kidneys?
Eating too much salt can cause the body to develop high blood pressure and kidney stones.
Sodium, an electrolyte which is a compound present in salt is very important to the body as it contributes towards regular bodily function. Sodium helps to regulate the acid-base balance of the blood and body fluids; it also regulates blood pressure and blood volume and it helps to transmit impulses for nerve function and muscle contraction.
Research has shown that consuming too much salt can contribute towards an increase in proteins in the urine which affects the function of the kidneys as they are responsible for removing waste, toxins and excess fluids from the body. Excess sodium intake also poses a danger to people with chronic kidney disease because it makes the condition worse due to its negative influence on blood pressure. A diet high in sodium can increase the amount of calcium lost in the urine which can contribute towards the development of kidney stones.
According to the Kidney and Hypertension Centre elevated levels of sodium in the body decrease the functions of the kidneys and cause waste to accumulate in the bloodstream. This can lead to high blood pressure, weakness and tiredness, fluid around the heart or lungs, irregular heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, pain in different parts of the body, swollen ankles and damage to the kidneys.
You can reduce the amount of sodium you consume by doing the following. Try cooking with local herbs and spices instead of salt, stay away from processed and canned foods, read food labels to check the sodium levels, avoid fast foods and eating out regularly.
