The two deadliest things we can put into our bodies are salt and sugar. It took me years to learn of their toxic nature. The hours of suffering endured because of severe headaches over many years were avoidable if only these facts were known. One of the symptoms of high blood pressure from salt toxicity is increased headaches, but that’s not all. To understand what else occurs when too much sodium is consumed took more research.
Causes of High Blood Pressure:
A larger than normal intake of salt which makes the body hold more water. With that retention of water, the blood pressure is elevated and the liver is affected. Over time heart, brain, and kidney problems may also develop.
The average daily intake of salt should be between 1500 mg and 2300 mg. Unfortunately, one serving of bread can be as high as 450 mg and that allows two sandwiches, using four slices of bread, can equal the daily dose. No matter what filling is in the sandwich, however, many will still give a shake or two of salt, and sandwich bars always do.
It is recommended that around 140 mg of salt per serve is the optimal amount. That means monitoring the amount in everything one eats.
How to Avoid Salt Toxicity:
One of the first things to do is to stop buying supermarket bread. You can make your own by using the recipe book and a bread maker machine. Buying wholemeal flour from a health food shop is also wiser than buying a prepared mixed one. All one needs is yeast, flour, small amount of salt (half a teaspoon is plenty) a little sugar, vegetable oil, and water.
Stop adding salt to food as it doesn’t need it. Good quality fresh food prepared by you in your kitchen is far safer than that purchased from others. Always check the salt content before buying take-away or frozen foods. Prepare and cook your own meals and avoid the salt by using herbs. Believe me you won’t even miss it.
Use Flavonoids instead of Salt:
Most argue that sale brings out the flour in food. That’s not true! All food has some flavour and the use of flavonoids will do more for you than salt.
Grow your own herbs, such as rosemary; sage; parsley; time; mint; basil; bay leaves; and so on. There are so many to choose from and most can be grown in a shared vessel. Other herbs to use are celery; ginger; onions; bananas; and chives. Garlic and onions go well together and with them add just a hint of salt and any meal will turn out great.
My recipes usually include at least five of he above mentioned herbs. Always delicious my meals are now salt free. That means there are no headaches and blood pressure is normally between 110-120 over 70-80. Aim for this and stay healthy. Avoid the salt and the many problems it generates.
Source by Norma Holt