Save Your Health Dump The Salt

Too much salt is associated to serious health problems

Salt addicting, fattening and could cease your life.

Diets high in sodium raise blood pressure which can lead to heart attacks and stroke. New studies have shown that salt is now becoming a danger. Consuming too much can lead to osteoporosis, dementia, cancer and other serious health issues.

Based upon current scientific research the US Government is now reviewing the current sodium guidelines. The new way of thought now is showing that adults should have no more than 1,500 mg of sodium each day which works out to 2/3 teaspoon a day.

This new adjustments shows that Americans are simply over doing it in the salt area on a average of 3,346mg a day. The biggest concern is not out of your salt shaker but the salt which is in food. The largest amounts of this comes from processed and prepackaged foods, they pack the amount of salt in to enhance flavor and also for color, texture and a preservative. Around 80% of the sodium in our diets come from pre-made crackers, cookies, cereal, frozen dinner and those ready to use pasta sauces. That still does not include the salt content in food from restaurants and take out places.

The salt addiction

The body does need sodium to maintain the balance of fluids, send nerve impulses, contract and relax the muscles for around only 500mg a day. Higher than that level and the brain chemistry becomes changed.

Science has shown that when we consume salt it activates the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked with the brain's pleasure center, which makes salty foods just as addicting as smoking. With any addiction you crave more and more. There are a lot of them out there like fast food sandwiches and french fries.

Salt increases thirst. It would not be that big of a problem if we did not turn to water but we do. There is a link between salt and sugary beverages and diet soda does contain a lot of sodium.

An over consumption of salt not only leads to weight gain but alters the way your body manufactures and metabolizes fat. High fat diets increase the production of insulin, the hormone that tells our body to store the extra sugar as a fat. Basically, the more insulin you have the more fat is stored and more weight is gained.

Kick the addiction

Cut back on sodium with a two week cleanse. It will boost the metabolism, increase energy as the excess sodium is cut from your diet. You will decrease water weight from bloating, Losing those pounds and inches will give you the motivation to have a low salt diet the way of life and good health.

For two weeks consume three 300 calorie meals a day with less than 300mg of sodium. You can drink a Mineral Boost Juice daily that provides you with potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are also available in supplements if you do not want the juice. The recipe can be found online at Prevention. Also, eliminate processed and packaged foods.

The good news your taste buds will adjust quickly. The better news after two weeks your salt addiction will taper off.

Why salt silently kills

Salty foods are associated with a 15% cancer risk increase.

High salt diets have been shown to heighten calcium loss weakening bones and over time leads to osteoporosis.

Eating too much salt can bring on insulin resistance.

Not only can it bring on high blood pressure but high blood pressure can lead to sleep apnea which in turn causes sleep deprivation and increase blood pressure rates

So kick the salt habit today.