RN Desk: Salt is an essential ingredient for enhancing the taste of food. However, it’s important to consume it in the right amount. Excessive use of salt doesn’t just ruin the taste of food, it can also be extremely harmful to the body.

Dr. Dipen Roy has discussed the harmful effects of consuming raw salt. Let’s take a look at the dangers of eating raw salt:

1. Can increase blood pressure
   People with high blood pressure should try to avoid salt as much as possible. Consuming too much salt can lead to elevated blood pressure. This happens because sodium-rich foods raise blood pressure by increasing the amount of blood flowing through the arteries. This habit can also lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Even if you don’t have high blood pressure, it’s best to limit your salt intake.
2. Affects kidney function
   Excess salt reduces kidney function and increases the risk of kidney stones. When the kidneys don’t function well, it affects the entire body. So be cautious before it’s too late.
3. Causes thirst
   Too much salt or salty foods can make your mouth dry, increasing your thirst. This happens because the body tries to balance sodium levels by making you feel dehydrated. Even gargling with salt and warm water can cause temporary dryness in the mouth.
4. Harms the heart
   Nowadays, many people suffer from heart diseases at a young age. To avoid falling into this trap, take care of your heart health early on. And the first step is to stop eating raw salt. Avoid salty fast food as well. Doing this helps keep blood pressure under control, reducing the risk of heart attack and arrhythmia. So, stop consuming raw salt starting today.
5. Causes bloating
   Many people think only junk food causes bloating, but that’s not true. Excessive salt intake can also lead to bloating. Sodium in salt causes water retention in the body, leading to temporary water buildup and bloating in the lower abdomen. It can also reduce appetite. To avoid this, reduce your salt intake.
6. Increases urination
   When there’s too much salt in the body, the kidneys try to flush it out through urine — a natural bodily function. So frequent urination in such cases is quite normal.
7. Triggers headaches
   Do you frequently suffer from headaches? Then avoid eating raw salt. Salt is a major factor in raising blood pressure, and high blood pressure often causes headaches. Typically, the back of the head starts to throb, and sometimes the sides of the forehead may also pulsate. So try to steer clear of raw salt.

Conclusion
Salt is important — but only in moderation. Eating raw or excessive salt can do more harm than good. For the sake of your heart, kidneys, and overall well-being, keep your salt intake in check.