About 10 percent of all heart-related deaths are linked to high sodium levels. Although this is an extreme result, most of us experience symptoms of sodium intake irregularities without even knowing it. Here are some of the ways that our body is telling us that salt isn’t being absorbed properly, and what you can do about it.
You’re experiencing extreme bloating
When too much salt is in your bloodstream, your body starts to hold on to more fluid. As a result, this fluid causes you to look and feel bloated since you have more liquid inside of you than usual. If your abdominal area is extremely bloated for more than a few days, your body may have an issue with absorbing salt and you should see a doctor ASAP.
Your blood pressure levels change
Speaking of excess fluid, holding onto too much liquid in the body can cause a spike in blood pressure levels. A 2019 study from the Harvard Medical School outlines that there is a consistent direct relationship between salt intake and blood pressure. The report goes on to say that about 1,800 milligrams of sodium can significantly decrease individuals’ blood pressure across the board. In layman’s terms, the more salt you consume, the higher your blood pressure will be.
You crave more salt
Our taste buds can get quite used to saltiness the more you consume it—which means you can start craving it more than usual. Try healthy foods that satisfy salt cravings to get your fix without increasing your sodium intake. Our brains and bodies are designed to enjoy salt because it’s necessary for survival, but throughout history, finding salt was difficult so craving salt was a bit more than a survival mechanism.
Things have changed over time, however. The average American eats far too much salt. The American Heart Association says…
