Salt kills 1.89 million deaths every year, becoming a global threat

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently highlighted that approximately 1.89 million people die annually due to excessive salt consumption, leading to elevated blood pressure and increased heart-related issues. This raises the question of what constitutes excessive salt intake.

Dr. Sri Karan Uddesh Tanugula, a consultant general physician at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, indicated that the generally recommended maximum daily salt intake is around 2,300 milligrams, roughly equivalent to one teaspoon. However, certain populations, such as those with hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease, may benefit from an even lower intake of about 1,500 milligrams.

Sodium, commonly found in table salt, is a necessary nutrient for maintaining normal cell function and is naturally present in various foods like milk, meat, and shellfish. However, excessive sodium intake increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death, as reported by the WHO.

A study from Harvard Medical School supports this, indicating that excessive sodium intake leads to high blood pressure, further elevating the likelihood of developing heart failure and causing complications in individuals already dealing with heart issues.

Recognizing the impracticality of giving up salt entirely due to its role in enhancing the taste of meals, the WHO recommends opting for fresh, minimally processed foods and being mindful of the amount of salt added to dishes. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid adding extra salt to food at the table.