3 dangers associated with restricting sodium too much

Sodium is an essential mineral for our body as it controls fluid flows, blood pressure, stimulates the proper functioning of the nervous system and regulates muscle function and the behavior of multiple essential functions of our body.

However, high or very low concentrations of sodium in the body are triggers for multiple risks that could lead to diseases of all kinds, including degenerative ones, such as brain dysfunction; terminal like a cancer or fulminants like a heart attack.

According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Oregon, daily eating habits lead to sodium consumption between 20% and 40% above the values required by the body (Higdon and Delage, 2016). This is the reason why many people avoid consuming sodium, to the point of having insufficient amounts for the body to work properly.

So we share with you the dangers of over-restricting sodium .

Consecuencias cardiovasculares de restringir demasiado el sodio

3 Dangers Associated With Sodium Restriction

1. Insulin resistance

This occurs when the cells of the muscles, pancreas, fat and liver cannot absorb glucose from the blood normally, causing this extra glucose to remain in the bloodstream instead of entering the cells.

This occurs as a consequence of a metabolic disorder or syndrome in the absence of sodium in the body, generating various effects such as obesity, uncontrolled blood pressure, and other serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The most worrying thing is that this diagnosis does not appear in the blood tests carried out regularly in periodic medical examinations; on the contrary, it requires various measurements for an accurate diagnosis, which is why doctors call it a "silent killer."

Niveles bajos de sodio ocasiona resistencia a la insulina

2. Coronary diseases

While it is true that reducing your salt intake helps lower blood pressure, restricting sodium too much does not reduce the risk of dying from heart attacks or heart failure.

This occurs because the high levels of glucose accumulated in the blood can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, putting the coronary arteries and the entire glandular structure that covers it at risk.

This is demonstrated by a study conducted by researchers at McMaster University of Ontario in Canada, which found that less than 3,000 mg of sodium per day is associated with an increased risk of dying from heart disease or stroke (Donnell, Yusuf and Mind, 2011)

Another factor that can increase heart disease is high levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, which contribute to the obstruction of the coronary arteries, causing heart failure or heart attacks. This is demonstrated by a study carried out at the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, in which healthy people who consumed low sodium diets increased bad cholesterol by 4.6% and triglycerides by 5.9% (Jurgens, 2002).

Niveles muy bajos de sodio provoca enfermedades coronarias

3. Cerebrovascular diseases

Hyponatremia is another condition caused by restricting sodium too much , and in severe cases, the brain becomes inflamed leading to headaches, seizures, coma, and even death.

The most likely to suffer from hyponatremia are people over 60 years of age, because they may have a disease or take medications that can lower sodium levels in the blood; Although it is surprising to learn that athletes, especially high performers, are also quite prone due to a diet with insufficient sodium content.

Enfermedades cerebrovasculares

References

  • Donnell, JO, Yusuf, S. and Mente, A. (2011). Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Risk of Cardiovascular Events. Jama. doi: 10.1001 / jama.2011.1729.
  • Jurgens, G. (2003) Effects of low sodium diet versus high sodium diet on blood pressure, renin, aldosterone, catecholamines, cholesterols, and triglyceride. doi: 10.1002 / 14651858.CD004022
  • Higdon, J and Delage, V., (2016) Sodium. Retrieved from Micronutrient Information Center. [Revised March 2020]