SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR TABLE SALT

It has been stated that salt consumption in Turkey was 3 times higher than the world average, and people used extra salt not because their body craved for it but just for seasoning purposes. Adults should consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium, or 5 grams of salt according to new guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). The experts pointed that Turkey consumed 15 grams of salt on the average and that excessive use of salt caused high blood pressure which posed a risk for heart and kidney disease, and aneurysm, and nervous system diseases such as stroke, etc. They warned the public about limiting their salt intake and stated that March 11 – 17 was celebrated as ‘Watch Out for Salt Week”.  

Prof. Dr. İlgi Şemin, Director of IUE Vocational School of Health Services, reported that salt was a sodium chloride compound that already existed in many food. She said, “Adults needed a minimum of 500 milligrams and maximum of 2 thousand 400 milligrams of sodium daily. Lack of sodium is uncommon since there is enough sodium in food components. Adding extra salt to food is done just for seasoning purposes, not because the body needs it.”

'Reduce Salt Intake, Save Your Life'

Less amount of sodium would damage body’s fluid levels; neuromotor system indicated Prof. Dr. Şemin and reported that excessive use would cause similar disorders as well. “Excess amount of sodium will increase the amount of water in body. When amount of water increases it raises blood pressure. Excessive salt intake is known to be a cause for hypertension. And high blood pressure poses a risk for heart and kidney disease, and aneurysm, and nervous system diseases such as stroke, etc. These are among the main causes of death in our country. Reducing salt intake is the most important change of behavior to prevent these diseases,” said Prof. Dr. Şemin.

'For Healthy Aging Generation...'

Prof. Dr. Şemin recommended the following in order to prevent high blood pressure and diseases caused by it:
“Cook with less or no salt. Prefer other spices to season your food. Limit consuming processed food, canned goods, and pickles as they contain high amount of sodium. Do not bring a salt shaker to the table. Read the labels. High blood pressure is a health problem that begins in middle age. Encourage your children to use less salt so they don’t develop this as a habit, help them to become a healthy generation.”