As summer approaches, one thing is constantly on our minds–hydration. Those blistering hot days seem to extract the life out of us. This feeling is amplified when we consume too much salt and don’t drink enough water.
According to the CDC, about 90 percent of Americans 2 years old or older consume too much sodium. The average daily sodium intake for Americans 2 years old or older is more than 3,400 mg. This is a whopping 1,100 mg over the daily limit. Overconsumption of sodium is directly correlated with high blood pressure, heart disease, bloating (swelling) of the body, and stroke. This can also lead to kidney stones and kidney failure, leading those effected to undergo painful dialysis treatment. Before someone reading this says, “Well, your body needs salt to balance its electrolytes,” the 2300 mg limit is more than enough. Even when someone drinks “a lot of water,” it is rarely enough to counteract the effects of sodium overload.
For those who worry about the cosmetic effects of things, sodium can lead to bloating and dry skin. Since sodium dehydrates the body, your skin cannot retain as much moisture. Dry skin reduces skin elasticity, leading to premature aging. Dehydration also leads to brittle hair and nails.
The unhealthy American diet causes the overconsumption of sodium. Many Americans resort to salt instead of a plethora of other seasonings when preparing food. When ordering french fries at a restaurant, the default is usually to serve over-salted fries. Although chain fast-food restaurants must indicate if an item contains sodium over the daily limit, non-chain fast-food restaurants do not, leaving consumers unaware of truly how much sodium is in their food.
Consuming less sodium also helps the environment, especially in drought-prone places. Fresh water is scarce in places such as California, many areas of the Middle East, and now an increasing portion of the United States. When your body has sodium overload, it requires much more water to stay truly hydrated. This leads to an increased thirst for people already experiencing water insecurity.
Salt mining has also been proven to damage the environment. According to the National Institute for Health, salt mining in Kenya’s Magarini District revealed several environmental impacts, including freshwater salination, air pollution, and increased dust levels in the area.
The next time you are going out to eat or preparing your own food, take a moment to consider just how much sodium you may be consuming. When preparing your own food, try reducing the amount of salt you use to season and opt for garlic, onion powder, coriander, paprika, or any other seasoning.