Harvard scientists talk about the deadly risks of salty food

Excessive consumption of salty foods can lead not only to high blood pressure, but also to premature death. A Harvard study found that people who regularly exceed their salt intake have a 28% increased risk of death. This was reported on October 4 on the Sohu media portal.

Although sodium is necessary for the normal functioning of the body, its excess is directly related to the increase in the incidence of cardiovascular and renal pathologies. As noted, the average daily salt intake of the country's residents exceeds 10 grams — twice the norm recommended by the World Health Organization.

Scientists from Harvard University have been monitoring the health status of almost 300,000 people for 10 years. The results were alarming: those who consumed more than 8 grams of salt per day were 23% more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases, and the overall risk of death was 28% higher, even if smoking, alcohol, and chronic diseases were excluded.

The main problem, according to experts, is that a significant portion of sodium enters the body not from salt shakers, but from ready-made and processed foods. Sausages, cheeses, sauces, canned food, and especially prepared food from restaurants and delivery services often contain several times more salt than the body is able to safely process.

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Doctors emphasize that even a partial reduction in salt gives a quick effect. Within a month after reducing consumption to the recommended 5 g, blood pressure drops by an average of 5-7 mmHg, and long-term adherence to a "low-salt diet" reduces the risk of hypertension and stroke by 20%.

Doctors recommend replacing salt with natural spices such as garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. It is important to read labels, monitor the sodium content in sauces and processed foods, and gradually get used to less salty foods.

On October 3, specialists pointed out possible thyroid problems with increased fatigue. They noted that the thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism and maintaining body heat. A violation of its functions, for example, with hypothyroidism, leads to a slowdown in metabolism, which manifests itself in fatigue, drowsiness, and other symptoms.

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