How Does Too Much Salt in Your Diet Affect You?

Constantly Feeling Tired

When you consume too much salt, it can lead to the retention of water in your tissues, which can make you feel constantly tired. In addition, high levels of salt in your diet can cause dehydration and increase your need for water, which can make you feel tired even when you’ve had enough water. Tiredness is a common symptom of too much salt in your diet, but it can also be a sign of a more serious health condition. If you feel tired a lot and have tried everything to increase your energy but nothing works, cutting back on salt could help.

Shortness of Breath

Another fairly common side effect of a high salt diet is shortness of breath. As your blood becomes more salty, you not only retain more water but also retain more carbon dioxide. When you breathe out, you release carbon dioxide. When you breathe in, you take in oxygen. An increase in carbon dioxide without a corresponding increase in oxygen can cause you to feel short of breath. Too much salt in your diet can also cause fluid to build up in your lungs, which could lead to shortness of breath by limiting your lungs’ ability to expand and contract. Too much salt in your diet could also be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If you have never experienced shortness of breath before and you are experiencing it now, you should see a doctor.

Blurry Vision

A high salt diet can cause fluid to build up inside your eyes, leading to blurry vision. This is usually a temporary side effect, but it can be a symptom of chronic kidney disease, too. A sudden increase in salt intake may cause water to build up in your eyes, causing blurred vision. In the long term, high blood pressure caused by a high salt diet can damage blood vessels in the retina and macula – the part of your eye responsible for central vision. In extreme cases, this damage could lead to vision loss. If you notice blurry vision after increasing your salt intake, you should visit your eye doctor to rule out any serious problems. They will also be able to tell you how long the side effect will last and whether you need to make any dietary changes.

Irregular Heartbeat

Salt is a natural electrolyte that helps your muscles contract and relax. A healthy body keeps your electrolyte levels balanced, but consuming too much salt disrupts this balance. Too much salt in your diet can cause your heart to beat too quickly. This can lead to an irregular heartbeat that may require medication or even surgery to correct. Too much salt in your diet could also lead to an increased risk of arrhythmia, especially in people who already have heart problems. If you notice your heartbeat becoming irregular after increasing your salt intake, make an appointment with your doctor. He or she may be able to correct your electrolyte imbalance and help you avoid more serious complications.

Kidney Damage and Chronic Kidney Disease

Most types of kidney damage are caused by high blood pressure, which is often caused by high salt intake. Consuming too much salt over a long period of time can damage the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, causing them to function more slowly. When your kidneys are functioning at a lower capacity, they are less able to filter out toxins, which can lead to chronic kidney disease. Any amount of kidney damage can cause health problems, but the kidneys are one of the few organs you can actually regrow with the right treatment. For most people, cutting back on salt can help prevent kidney damage. If you already have kidney disease or have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, reducing your salt intake is crucial.

Conclusion

Cutting back on salt can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. While most people can reduce their salt intake without too much difficulty, people with heart or kidney problems should consult with a doctor before making any changes to their diet. If you are looking for ways to reduce your salt intake, try to avoid processed foods, which are often high in salt. Read nutrition labels carefully to identify hidden sources of salt in your diet and try to replace them with low-sodium alternatives. You can also use spices and herbs to add flavor to your food without the extra salt.