How Does Sodium Affect Health?
High blood pressure If you consume more than 2400 mg of sodium a day, you put yourself at risk for high blood pressure. This is because sodium-rich blood attracts water. This increases the volume of blood in your arteries which in turn increases your blood pressure. High blood pressure can put serious strain on your heart and lead to a heart attack or stroke. You're more likely to have these conditions if you're predisposed to hypertension or heart problems. Problem is it is hard to tell if you are predisposed, so everyone with a high sodium intake must consider himself or herself at risk. Stomach cancer Some studies, such as one published in the Annals of Oncology on July 31, 2008, also link high sodium intake to an increased risk of stomach cancer. This is thought to be due to sodium's relation to astrophic gastritis, a condition that causes inflammation and degeneration of the stomach's lining. This condition is often pre-cancerous. What to do Take stock o