Skip to main content

Too Much Salt Consumption Can Increase Stroke Risk in Teenagers

Too Much Salt Consumption Can Increase Stroke Risk in Teenagers

Google PlusReddit
  • The team of experts examined 775 teenagers
  • WHO recommends you limit your daily salt intake to 5 grams
  • Excess salt intake increases risk of hypertension, heart attack & stroke
Salt and too much of it has always been an issue. It is known to be an enemy of your heart and can put you at the risk of high cholesterol or hypertension. Surprisingly, these heart ailments which were once considered to age-related problems have now become common lifestyle diseases among the younger lot. A new study, conducted by the Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital, warns that high consumption of salt as part of a teenager's diet can put him at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease,heart attack and even stroke in later life.

The team of experts examined 775 teenagers who were measured for the elasticity of their brachial artery (BrachD), blood vessel located in the upper arm.  Their pulse wave velocity (PWV) was also measured for differences in the speed at which the blood travells between their carotid artery in the neck and femoral artery in the groin.   

Along with this, the amount of sodium these participants consumed was measured with the help of a self-reported, 3-day diet record. The results showed that higher averagedaily sodium intake
was associated with lower BrachD (higher arterial stiffness) and higher PWV. The researchers also took into consideration factors like their age, race, sex, body-mass index and other blood electrolyte levels that could affect the readings.   

(Also read: 8 Processed Foods to Avoid and Why
)

Researchers explained that arterial stiffness which refers to the hardening of the arteries is a known risk factor for heart attack and stroke in adults. You can detect this condition by placing monitors on skin near major arteries in the arm, neck and the groin region. According to Elaine M Urbina, Director of Preventive Cardiology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, the two readings indicated higher levels of stiffness in both peripheral arteries in the extremities, as well as in central arteries which has been tied to higher sodium consumption. These findings were presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting in San Francisco.

It is clear that we are consuming way too much salt not just by sprinkling extra over our food but mostly hidden in processed foods and high calorie fast foods. The choice of convenience over nutrition is definitely putting us at major health risks.

Tips for reducing your salt intake


According to the current guidelines of World Health Organization, adults should limit their salt intake to less than 5 grams (about one teaspoon) per day. Besides this, you should keep yourself hydrated at all times especially in summers as dehydration is linked with an imbalance of electrolytes in the body including sodium. Read the labels of processed and packaged foods you buy to know the hidden salt content. Choosehealthier alternatives to the table salt
like rock salt, Himalayan salt or the sea salt.

Tags:  SaltHeart

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Drinking Water After Eating Watermelon: Is it Safe or Not?

Drinking Water After Eating Watermelon: Is it Safe or Not? https://healthmbb.blogspot.com/ Watermelon contains 96 percent water Not drinking water after watermelon is one of the long persisting myths Here's why you should not drink water after eating water melon It is the season of watermelons. The sweet delight has filled the carts of all fruit sellers in town, and we couldn't be happier. Apart from being an extremely hydrating fruit, watermelons pack a number of health benefits. Shilpa Arora, Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner, shares, 'Watermelons contain lycopene, potassium and a lot of other nutrients. It has fiber that keeps the digestion process going.' According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing House, citrulline, an important amino acid found in the flesh of watermelons, can stimulate the production of nitric oxide which regulates blood pressure and enhances the blood flow. So, it's definitely worth adding this jui...

Juices That Are Good to Treat Constipation

10 Juices That Are Good to Treat Constipation https://healthmbb.blogspot.com/ Google Plus Reddit Your stool or feces tend to become hard & it becomes difficult to pass Acids in mosambi juice can help in clearing toxins from the bowel tract Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain improves the bowel function Constipation   is one of the most common stomach problems where people face irregular bowel movements and it creates digestive issues in the stomach. Your stool or feces tend to become hard and it becomes difficult to pass. The common symptoms of constipation include fewer bowel movements, trouble passing stool, swollen belly or abdominal pain. The good news is that some home remedies can help relieve constipation easily. During the summer season, natural and homemade juices can be of great help. Nutritionist Dr. Simran Saini from Fortis Hospital in New Delhi suggests the following seven juices that are good to treat constipation. 1. Mo...

Why Are Diabetics More Prone to Heart Diseases?

Why Are Diabetics More Prone to Heart Diseases? https://healthmbb.blogspot.com/ Diabetics are more prone to heart diseases. It is considered equivalent to coronary artery disease. It increases risk of heart diseases twice in men and thrice in women. With an estimated 50 million people suffering from diabetes   in the country, India is the diabetic capital of the world. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that can lead to complications over time. These complications can include   coronary heart disease which may lead to a heart attack, cerebro-vascular disease which may lead to stroke,   retinopathy   (disease of the eye) which may cause blindness,   nephropathy (disease of the kidney) that can lead to kidney failure and frequent need for dialysis, and neuropathy (disease of the nerves) which can lead to ulceration of the foot that might require amputation. Many of these complications produce no symptoms in the early stages, and mo...