6 hours Ago By Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Nutrition experts have warned that individuals who consume high volumes of salt are at a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. They noted that recent discoveries reveal that, beyond the well-known link between salt and high blood pressure, damage to the cardiovascular system can begin even before someone develops hypertension. Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts explained that the cumulative impact of excess sodium in the diet can alter the body’s vascular system, stiffening the arteries and causing them to lose flexibility.
This, they added, could restrict blood flow and lead to long-term cardiovascular issues. Even in the absence of elevated blood pressure, this gradual damage can set the stage for heart attacks and strokes. The experts stressed the importance of reducing salt intake as a preventive measure against heart disease and stroke.
They maintained that making small changes in the diet, such as cutting back on processed foods and being mindful of sodium content in daily meals, can have a profound effect on long-term health. A dietician at Ogun State General Hospital, Dr Adeola Adeleye, noted that while high blood pressure remains a significant risk factor, it is not the only pathway through which salt can harm the body. He explained that the impact of excessive salt is often underestimated.
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However, he said that excess sodium interferes with this flexibility, ultimately leading to arterial stiffness and narrowed blood vessels. This, he added, increases the likelihood of blockages, putting individuals at greater risk for heart attacks and strokes down the road. “While hypertension is a well-established risk factor, the reality is that salt can harm the cardiovascular system even before it triggers high blood pressure,” he concluded.
Corroborating this, a registered nutritionist, Odunayo Babatunde said consuming large amounts of salt over extended periods can have serious consequences. She stated, “When people consume large amounts of salt over extended periods, significant negative effects occur. Because the kidneys are less able to eliminate water due to the increased sodium content in the blood, the body’s blood vessels are under more strain from the increased blood volume.
“Strokes and congestive heart failure can eventually result from high blood pressure, and kidney disease can arise from the kidneys’ chronic overwork to remove excess salt. Long-term excessive salt consumption can also cause fluid to accumulate in the body’s tissues and cavities. Furthermore, eating a lot of sodium can cause the body to excrete small amounts of calcium, which might eventually induce osteoporosis.
“Knowing which foods are high in sodium is the first step in maintaining a healthy level of salt consumption. This enables you to decide how much and how frequently you should eat meals high in salt.”.
