Bad Effects of Salt in Excess

How much salt does a human being require a day. It is only 3 grams. But a man, on an average, takes about 10 to 12 grams of salt a day. i. e. we are taking more than 3 times of salt every day, than our actual requirement.
Now let us see what happens when we take salt in excess. Water retention in the body is very much increased, which in turn leads to excess weight and obesity. This also leads to contamination of blood. It also becomes an added burden on the Kidneys. In the long run it may lead to hypertension and Kidney damage.
In the human body potassium eliminates are important constituents of fluids inside and outside the cells. Proper concentration of these (inside and outside the cells) is essential to maintain the osmotic balance and to keep the cells in proper shape. Sodium and Potassium are present in all foods, particularly on plant foods like fruits and vegetables. In plant foods, potassium is present in higher concentrations than sodium by a factor of 1 to 5 fold. Potassium present in a vegetarian diet is adequate to meet our daily requirements. When we take salt in excess, i. e. more than 3 grams in day, it affects the osmotic balance of the cells. This may leads to hypertension. On the other hand when we take sufficient quantities of fruits and vegetables daily, especially in the raw form, our body metabolism will be in order. This is more so because when we take plant foods on the raw form, no salt will be required. Natural mineral salts available in such foods will be intact till we eat them, and the potassium in such foods will maintain the osmotic balance in cells.
Now a days we see advertisements in Television stating that iodized salt is good for school going children especially to develop their intelligence. But it has never been scientifically proved that iodized salt has such a quality. This advertisement is quite misleading. Parents will give their children more and more iodized salt, thinking that it will increase their I.Q. Children are also likely to take more and more iodized salt, without the knowledge of the parents, thinking that it will help to build up their I.Q. But actually the opposite occurs. Too much salt, even if iodized, will adversely affect the I.Q. of the children.
Consumption of iodized salt by people who are otherwise getting iodine the natural way through normal foods, may lead to toxic side effects. People who are deficient of iodine may be advised to take iodine rich foods as stated above, especially in the raw form.
People may also be advised, through the electronic media, to consume only non-iodized salt. The quantity of crystal salt has to be reduced substantially and the salt may be added after cooking.
Most of the country and union Territory Governments had issued orders to the effect that only iodized salts should be issued and that non-iodized salt should be withdrawn. It is known that this order has been issued to fortify the common salt with iodine deficiency diseases like Goiter can be effectively contained.