Reduce Salt Intake, Experts Warn of Rising Hypertension, Kidney Failure
Reported By Sele Media Africa| Ihuoma Amarachi
ABUJA / LAGOS —Health experts have sounded a fresh alarm on the dangers of excessive salt consumption, warning Nigerians that high sodium intake is contributing to a worrying increase in cases of hypertension, kidney failure and other serious health issues. [1]What the Experts Say – During a nationwide public‑health sensitisation campaign launched in Abuja, participants including doctors, public‑health advocates and civil‑society organisations urged Nigerians to markedly cut down on salt consumption. The event was part of a broader drive under the theme “Let Your Health Guide Your Taste.”[1] – According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an adult’s sodium intake should not exceed 2 grams of sodium per day— roughly equivalent to 5 grams of salt (about one teaspoon). Exceeding this threshold is strongly associated with elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and kidney damage.
Why Reducing Salt Matters –
Hypertension & Heart Risk: Excessive salt causes water retention and increases blood volume, forcing the heart to pump harder. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. [4] – Kidney Strain: The kidneys filter out excess sodium; when overwhelmed, they can suffer damage. Long‑term high salt intake has been associated with chronic kidney disease and increased risk of kidney failure. [5] –
Overall Mortality & Chronic Illness:
Excess dietary sodium contributes to broader public‑health burdens — including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) — which remain among the leading causes of death globally. [6] What Experts Recommend – Adults should aim for ≤ 5 g of salt per day (or ≤ 2 g sodium), per WHO guidelines. [2] – Those with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or other risk factors might benefit from a stricter sodium threshold — for example 1,500 mg sodium/day, as advised by many cardiovascular health professionals. [7] – Reduce reliance on processed foods, packaged snacks, salty condiments — which often carry high hidden sodium — and instead use herbs, spices or potassium‑rich foods (vegetables, fruits) to season meals.
What You Should Know –
The message is clear: cutting down salt isn’t merely a “diet tip” — it’s a public‑health priority. For many Nigerians, especially young adults, kidney patients, or those with borderline blood pressure, reducing salt could mean avoiding a lifetime of illness. – Authorities and health organisations are urging families, markets, food vendors, and restaurants to adopt lower-sodium practices. The success of the broader salt‑reduction campaign will depend not just on individual behaviour but systemic shifts in how food is processed, sold, and prepared.
Citations:
1. Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/reduce-salt-intake-experts-warn-of-rising-hypertension-kidney-failure/?utm_source=chatgpt.com2. World Health Organization: www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/sodium-cvd-adults?utm_source=chatgpt.com3. PMC: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8030856/?utm_source=chatgpt.com4. www.heart.org: www.heart.org/en/news/2021/05/26/how-much-harm-can-a-little-excess-salt-do-plenty?utm_source=chatgpt.com5. PMC: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921029/?utm_source=chatgpt.com6. World Health Organization: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sodium-reduction?utm_source=chatgpt.com7. www.heart.org: www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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