Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Salt intake has become a major health concern in the United States. An array of studies have claimed too much salt in the diet can increase the risk of serious illness, such as heart disease and stroke, prompting recommendations to lower salt intake. But how much is “too much” when it comes to salt consumption?

Current guidelines recommend limiting salt intake to less than 2,300 milligrams daily.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day – the equivalent to around 1 teaspoon of salt – as part of a healthy diet.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released earlier this year, however, found that around 90 percent of adults and children in the U.S. consume more than the recommended sodium intake, with most adults consuming more than 3,400 milligrams daily.

CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden branded the report findings “alarming,” noting that more needs to be done in order to reduce the salt intake of Americans and “save lives.”

And it seems the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agree; earlier this month, the organization issued draft guidelines for the reduction of sodium in processed foods, which account for around 75 percent of all salt consumption.

The aim of these guidelines is to lower salt intake among consumers to the recommended level of 2,300 milligrams daily, in order to reduce the health risks associated with high salt consumption.

However, some researchers suggest that such a level is too low. In fact, some say that consuming salt in such small amounts may even do more harm than good.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), around 90 percent of Americans’ sodium intake comes from sodium chloride, found in table salt and often added to processed foods for preservation and flavor.

How much sodium is in your food?

1. A single slice of bread contains anywhere from 80-230 milligrams of sodium
2. Some breakfast cereals can contain up to 300 milligrams of sodium before milk is added
3. One slice of frozen pizza can contain 370-730 milligrams of sodium.

Learn more about salt: It is well known that the body needs some salt; it is important for nerve and muscle function, and it helps regulate bodily fluids.

One study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism last year, even suggested that salt consumption can stave off harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.

However, numerous studies have indicated that consuming too much salt can increase the risk of serious health problems, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular health, with research linking high salt intake to hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry earlier this year also suggested a high-salt diet may cause liver damage, while another study linked high salt intake to increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The basis for which high salt intake can cause bodily harm is a feasible one; too much salt can cause the body to retain water, which can put additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

But at what point does salt intake stop helping and starting hindering our health? This remains a subject of debate.

While current guidelines recommend consuming less 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily, a study reported by Medical News Today last month suggested that even 3,000 milligrams of sodium daily may be too little and could put health at risk.

The CDC echo the FDA’s view on reducing salt intake. “The science is clear – reducing salt lowers blood pressure,” says Dr. Frieden, “and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.”