Why does salt raise blood pressure? First, its important to understand that blood pressure is a complex bodily condition. There are many different factors involved in determining blood pressure.
A proper diet with low sodium and high potassium could help to reduce blood pressure. A very small amount of sodium is usually in processed foods such as processed snacks, canned soups, ready to eat beans, canned meats, and most condiments. Sodium is found in many processed foods and also some vegetables. Many foods that contain high amounts of salt such as chips, cold cuts, some instant teas, and fried potatoes can actually lower blood pressure by diluting the bodys potassium levels.
Some salt is added to processed foods as salt is the saltiest of all the natural sources of sodium. It is sometimes called table salt. This is often used as an ingredient in cookies, crackers, and pretzels. Of course, a teaspoonful of table salt has the same value as fifteen whole salt shakers, and, so, one should add only a little bit to your food. The amount of salt is difficult to measure.
Salt is also the saltiest of all of the trace minerals. Also, sodium chloride is the only component that can be poisonous to humans. Of the other minerals, potassium is the most important.
A healthy diet, plenty of fluids, and exercise should be considered. These will be discussed in the following paragraphs. By controlling the amount of salt, you can lower your blood pressure.
Sodium is found in all of the food we eat. But it is found in only a very small amount in table salt. A teaspoonful of table salt has about the same weight as five half ounce cans of soda. A few drops of soda, and you have sodium chloride. We all drink soda, but can you imagine if you lost your taste buds, and they could not taste the difference between table salt and soda?
Processed foods and many canned soups contain very large amounts of sodium, which in turn contributes to our blood pressure. When these foods are eaten, they increase the fluid content of the blood, which then dilutes the potassium in the blood. The potassium in the blood balances the sodium. The potassium is used for energy, to maintain electrolyte balance, and to allow the body to maintain the normal pH of the blood.
Most processed foods contain a small amount of sodium, and a very large amount of potassium. They take the place of the natural salts in the body. Because there is a smaller potassium in the blood, the body reacts with a sodium overload, which causes a drop in blood pressure. In this case, the salt level actually makes the situation worse.
To maintain the correct amount of salt in the blood, and to avoid having to dilute your diet with table salt, you should add a teaspoonful of salt every hour or two. This is enough to dilute the sodium. You should avoid foods that contain high amounts of sodium, such as pizza, pizza crust, fried and spicy foods, salty snacks, and most fast foods.
Any item containing a small amount of salt will have a very small effect on the sodium levels in the blood. But, many foods containing very large amounts of sodium will elevate the potassium. This is what will cause the problem. You will probably experience a much higher sodium level after eating a large meal than you do after eating a small snack.
Using alternative and natural salts can help to reduce the sodium in your diet. Using a small amount of table salt on a regular basis will not only reduce your sodium level, but will also help to maintain the correct amount of potassium. as, well.
