Anatomy

• The kidneys process urine and balance the level of salt needed in the body. In hot climates and during physical exertion, the kidneys store salt and release it as needed to turn into sweat, which is used to cool the body. With diets high in added salt, the kidneys cannot properly process the additional burden and as the salt retains excess water, the fluid is pushed through the circulatory system, applying excess pressure on the blood vessels. When the additional pressure continues over time, the blood vessels become stressed and thicken and narrow to allow the excess fluid to pass. Eventually, the space becomes tight and cramped, restricting the flow of the fluid. It takes more and more blood pressure to move the fluids, which begins to stress the heart as well. The heart is a muscle and becomes enlarged by having to work so hard. The increased pressure in turn backs up to the kidneys, which can cause kidney disease.
  
  

Blood Pressure

• Blood pressure readings measure the resistance the heart receives when pumping fluids though the veins and arteries and the amount of time it rests between pumping. When blood pressure readings increase to more than 140 over 90, cardiovascular disease can occur. Lowering salt intake, and the retention of fluids, helps to lower blood pressure by relieving the heart of its overactive requirements. A healthy intake of salt consists of less than five grams per day. Salt is used as a preservative and is added to most processed foods. Read labels to find the salt content. Those working to lower blood pressure should reduce the intake of salt as much as possible. One of the best ways to reduce salt intake is to eliminate the saltshaker from the table and only consume salt that is already included in foods.
  
  

Hypertension

• Hypertension is a heart disease that occurs when the heart is repeatedly called on to pump faster and harder than it was created to do. Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, results from continued abnormal pressure on the walls of the arteries. Salt is made partly of sodium and is a naturally occurring substance in many foods. A healthy diet contains enough sodium for the body to function without any additional salt added. Sodium that affects the kidneys and blood pressure also is present in other foods such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common ingredient in Chinese food. Processed foods that can lead to hypertension include prepared meats such as bacon, sausage and lunch meat. Most dried and canned soups are high in added salt as well as condiments, pickled food and snacks.