Bloating
Salt is very important in helping your body maintain a
proper fluid balance. Too much salt, however, can cause
water retention, resulting in swelling of the hands, feet,
and sometimes abdomen. Some women are more salt-sensitive
before their periods and are more likely to gain weight and
have swelling and bloating during this time. Increasing
water intake and decreasing salt may help the problem.
Osteoporosis
According to a study from England, the amount of calcium
lost as a result of eating a high-sodium diet can be up to
900mg a day. It is thought that this loss of calcium weakens
the bones. Although still controversial, research continues
as to the relationship between salt intake and osteoporosis.
Stomach Cancer
Eating high levels of salt may cause the stomach lining
to waste away. This condition, known as atrophic gastritis,
can lead to stomach cancer. Additionally, researchers at the
National Cancer Centre Research Institute in Japan, suggest
excessive daily consumption of sodium may double the risk of
stomach cancer.
Gastric or stomach cancer is the second most frequent
cause of cancer deaths worldwide - with an estimated 776,000
deaths in 1996.
Asthma
According to research at Colorado State University, Fort
Collins, people with exercise-induced asthma had better
post-workout lung function when they ate a low-salt diet
(1,500 milligrams of sodium daily).
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