Salt in huge amounts can be dangerous. One needs to continue its consumption at just the right amount. With little to no salt, one risks the body getting Hyponatremia. The condition brings with it low blood sodium levels. It can have devastating effects. Sodium is an essential electrolyte. It is also the main component of a popular condiment – table salt. When one consumes too much sodium, one runs the risk of high blood pressure. Experts recommend a certain level of sodium intake per day. While some studies show that 2,300 mg of sodium per day is safe, others point at lower levels. Other experts even suggest sodium consumption should not be more than 1,500 mg per day. While consuming more can be devastating, consuming too little can also be bad. Here are 6 of the devastating effects of consuming sodium less than necessary. Insulin Resistance Studies show that low sodium consumption can lead to the body’s resistance to insulin over the years. When one’s body is resisting insulin, the body’s cells do not react well to insulin signals. This leads to a higher level of insulin in the body. At the same time, this increases the body’s sugar levels. The body’s increasing resistance to insulin is one of the major causes of diabetes. Aside from Type 2 diabetes, this is also a cause of many heart diseases. Note, however, that studies linking low sodium to insulin resistance are never consistent. Some studies do not show increased resistance. These studies, however, vary. Some are conducted longer than the others. There is also a difference in the amount of salt that is restricted from the diet. This can perhaps clarify the inconsistencies of the results. Hyponatremia Hyponatremia happens when there are low levels of sodium in the blood. Hyponatremia’s symptoms are quite similar to that of dehydration. In some cases, Hyponatremia can be severe. Headaches, coma, and seizures characterize this. Sometimes, this can also be fatal. Older adults have a higher risk of getting HyponatremiaHyponatremia. This is because the more an individual ages, the more susceptible he is to illnesses. Certain medications can reduce sodium levels in the blood. Athletes are also at risk of HyponatremiaHyponatremia. This is common, especially to those that do long-distance endurance sports. This is because of drinking too much water without replacing sodium. Sodium, in this case, is lost through sweat. Heart Failure There are times when the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body to meet the body’s needs. This is when heart failure comes into the picture. This, however, does not mean that the heart stops functioning altogether. But no matter the case, heart failure is a serious illness. It is interesting to note, however, that heart failure is linked to low sodium diets. The risk is higher than those with enough sodium. A study shows that certain people that have heart failure have limited sodium intake. The link to a low sodium diet is too strong. Those with restricted sodium intake have a 160% higher risk of dying due to heart failure. This is when compared to those that have enough sodium. Something is concerning about this study. Most individuals with heart failure are often told to restrict their sodium consumption. But this is based on a single study. As this progresses, the scientific world needs to look into these possibilities further. Salt and the Blood Pressure A reduction in sodium intake can indeed lower one’s blood pressure. However, blood pressure is just one part of the equation. It is a risk factor for a specific disease. What is essential is to identify hard endpoints. This includes heart attacks or even the possibility of death. There have been other studies that point out the effects of low sodium on the body. These have been specific to how it affects heart attacks and strokes. The study also correlates low sodium intake to a high risk of death. It was found that an individual with less than 3,000 mg of sodium in a day has a higher risk of dying from heart disease. The same is true with the chances of dying from heart attacks and strokes. Another study echoes this result. There are others, however, that have conflicting results. Another study was conducted in 2011. It pointed out something conflicting. The risk of dying from heart failure is higher in individuals with higher sodium intake. This is when compared to those with lower sodium consumption. As the debate rages on, there can only be one clear answer. Whether one likes it or not, sodium intake should be just right; nothing more, nothing less. Conclusion Salt can be a blessing. It can also be a curse. By being mindful of one’s consumption per day, one can turn the curse into a blessing. Ease off slowly on the consumption of salt. Develop the most creative ways to manage sodium consumption, especially on eating habits. As a result, one would also be able to develop a slimmer, healthier body in the long run.