For many years there has been debate about the possible health risks of excessive salt consumption. A high sodium diet could in fact increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. And we Italians, unfortunately, are among the main world consumers of salt. Suffice it to say that according to ISS data we take about double the recommended dose every day. But the dangers don’t come only from food. A British research also focuses on some drugs with a high sodium content. So we should be careful with these very common drugs because they could increase the risk of hypertension by 7 times. Let’s see what they are and the possible risks that excessive use could bring. The advice is always the same. Before starting any therapy we should always consult our doctor.
Beware of these very common drugs because they could increase the risk of hypertension by 7 times
Some effervescent drugs such as vitamin supplements, analgesics and antiemetics have come under the magnifying glass of scholars from two British universities. Well, these medicines contain high amounts of sodium and if taken in excessive doses could increase the danger of hypertension by about 7 times.
The team of scientists analyzed the data of about 1 million and 300 thousand patients for 7 years. Research shows that those who are treated with effervescent drugs have a 16% higher cardiovascular risk than those who choose tablets. And this with the same active principle.
An important study both for the awareness of patients and for that of doctors who should prescribe these types of drugs with caution.
How much salt per day should we consume and tips to reduce it
For many years the World Health Organization has set a recommended limit for the daily consumption of salt: 5 grams per day. The equivalent of a teaspoon. And as we saw earlier, we Italians are not particularly virtuous in this regard.
But luckily for us we can adopt some useful behaviors to lower the daily dose consumed. Much of the sodium we ingest comes from prepackaged, stored and processed products. So it is always better to prefer fresh food and reduce the consumption of sausages and cured meats.
Secondly, we can use spices to season instead of the classic table salt. Or try this phenomenal vinegar to digest and replace the salt. In addition to bringing enormous health benefits, we may also discover new delicious flavor combinations.
Deepening
Beware of these drugs that we use often because they could cause serious muscle problems