Role of sodium and processed foods in our diets

Sodium is one of the most abundant element on earth and is also something that is essential for the body. However it results in many complications in the human body if present in large quantities. Usually people on a low sodium diet are refrained from consuming processed foods because these processed foods are one of the main factors resulting in excess sodium in human body's. Sodium is used to flavor and also preserve processed foods.

Has anyone ever wondered why we often feel thirsty after having processed foods..? Our body contains electrolytes which are used for it's normal functioning, mainly sodium and potassium electrolytes. Electrolytes controls the body's ability to regulate water and thereby preventing dehydration. The concentration of electrolytes in our body should remain constant, but when consumption of salt/sodium increases there is an imbalance in the concentration of electrolytes in the blood that triggers the thirst mechanism in our body and causes us to consume more water. As a result of which the kidney that regulates the salt and water balance in the body will not be able to eliminate water from the body as that will cause an increase in the concentration of electrolytes. This results in the bloating of the body and weight gain. Processed foods are also calorie dense foods that also contributes to excess weight gain.

The results of retaining high or low levels of water in our bloodstream can also affect our blood pressure. Some people are "salt sensitive," which means that consumption of salt can increase their blood pressure. Sodium attracts water and holds onto it, and this causes the blood volume to increase. This makes it difficult for the blood to travel through the blood vessels, which in turn increases fluid retention as well as builds blood pressure in your arteries. This may lead to high blood pressure and potential heart attack too.

 Also a high salt intake has been shown to increase the amount of protein in the urine which is a major risk factor for the decline of kidney function. There is also increasing evidence that a high salt intake may increase the deterioration of kidneys in people already suffering from kidney problems.

 Taking all these factors into consideration it is recommended that healthy individuals refrain from consuming more than one teaspoon of salt per day (2,300 milligrams of sodium), while those suffering from kidney disease and other illnesses will find tighter restrictions such as two-thirds of a teaspoon (1,500 milligrams)of sodium even more beneficial.