Eating Too Much Sodium Essay

Sodium is an electrolyte that controls the fluids in the body’s tissues and cells. It is also responsible for regulating blood pressure and volume, helping transmit impulses, and regulating the balance of blood and body fluids. I believe it is important to monitor your sodium intake in order to stay in good health.

Kidneys are the most common concern when too much sodium is being taken in because it can lead to damage to the heart. When there is an excessive amount, the kidneys are unable to keep up with the body as they are trying to excrete waste. As sodium is taken in, the body retains water to dilute the sodium which leads to an increase in fluids around cells and blood volume. If the body has more blood, the heart and blood vessels have more work with increased pressure. The heightened demand of heart function can lead to stiffening of blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Two thirds of
strokes and half of the individuals with heart disease are due to high blood pressure (Health Risks and Disease Related to Salt and Sodium, n.d.). High blood pressure may also result in kidney malfunction. If the kidneys become damaged, fluids and waste will began to build up (Sodium and Chronic Kidney Disease, n.d.). According to a study mentioned by Harvard, individuals that had higher sodium levels, also had a 20% higher risk of death when compared to people that had the least amount of sodium intake (Health Risks and Disease Related to Salt and Sodium, n.d.).

Other complications with abnormally high sodium intake include; osteoporosis, edema, cancer, and shortness of breath.
Osteoporosis is a disease that results in the thinning of bones. As you take in more sodium, your body increase excretion of calcium. Some of the calcium that is excreted may be pulled from the bone. If your salt intake is monitored, you can keep your calcium balanced to help prevent the thinning of your bones (Health Risks and Disease Related to Salt and Sodium, n.d.). Edema in the legs, hands, and face can be caused by water retention (Sodium and Chronic Kidney Disease, n.d.). Another link between poor health and high sodium levels is, cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research have done studies that have concluded that salt, sodium, and salty foods are a likely contributor to stomach cancer (Health Risks and Disease Related to Salt and Sodium, n.d.). Shortness of breath can be effected if there if fluid that builds up in the lungs (Sodium and Chronic Kidney Disease,
n.d.).

In conclusion, your sodium intake should be monitored. A regulated sodium intake can reduce your risk of kidney failure, heart complications, osteoporosis, edema, stomach cancer, and shortness of breath. If you want to stay active for a long time it is important to improve what you can to not let age slow you down in a busy life.