Low-salt diets are often recommended as a preventive measure against chronic diseases, aiming to protect overall health. However, restricting salt—especially natural, unprocessed salt—can sometimes have unintended consequences. A lack of sufficient salt intake can elevate cortisol levels in your blood.
Cortisol, while essential to your health as a stress hormone, can lead to serious issues like muscle breakdown, inflammation, and impaired immune function if chronically elevated.
Interestingly, a study that analyzed data from 181 countries found that higher salt intake was associated with a longer healthy life expectancy and lower overall death rates.
For optimal health, it’s crucial to focus on the type of salt you consume and to balance it properly with potassium. It's generally recommended to consume five times more potassium than sodium.
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