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According to the WHO, adults should consume no more than 5 grams of salt daily, ideally comprising 2 grams of sodium and 3.5 grams of potassium. However, most people globally consume between 9 to 12 grams of salt
An easy way to reduce salt is to substitute extra salt with alternatives such as garam masala, lemon, or other flavour enhancers. (News18 Hindi)
Excessive salt consumption is the root cause of many health issues. It raises blood pressure and has other negative effects on the body, but can it also cause stomach cancer? According to recent research, excessive salt intake may indeed increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Although various factors can contribute to stomach cancer, high salt intake is among them. A new report published in the Journal of Gastric Cancer suggests that too much salt in food can invite stomach cancer. This conclusion was drawn from analysing the health data of approximately 5 lakh people.
According to the World Health Organization, adults should consume no more than 5 grams of salt daily, ideally comprising 2 grams of sodium and 3.5 grams of potassium. However, most people globally consume between 9 to 12 grams of salt. Processed foods such as pizza and burgers typically contain higher-than-recommended salt levels.
Key Findings Of The Research
Researchers reportedly examined health data from 4,71,000 individuals in the UK Biobank to investigate the link between high salt intake and cancer. Prior studies in Asia indicated a link between excessive salt intake and gastric cancer, and this recent study found similar results in European participants. Among those surveyed, 640 individuals had gastric cancer, with the majority being high salt consumers.
Although multiple factors contribute to stomach cancer, excessive salt remains a significant one. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, reducing daily salt intake by just one teaspoon can bring positive changes to the body, comparable to high blood pressure medications, and reduce symptoms of various diseases. Even those without high blood pressure can benefit from lowering their salt intake.
Tips for Reducing Excess Salt in Food
The researchers noted that excess salt in food is widely recognised as a cause of many health issues. Overconsumption of salt not only raises blood pressure but also increases the risk of heart disease and kidney damage. Processed foods, especially canned items, often contain high levels of sodium, leading to unintended salt consumption. Reducing salt in food can significantly benefit health and enhance taste. People who reduce salt intake gradually begin to enjoy the natural flavour of foods and may feel averse to overly salty foods.
An easy way to reduce salt is to substitute extra salt with alternatives such as garam masala, lemon, or other flavour enhancers. This helps decrease the craving for salt over time, making it easier to maintain a healthy intake.
