High-Salt Diets: A Silent Threat to Kidney Health, Experts Warn

• Excessive sodium intake, often unnoticed, places a significant burden on kidneys, leading to chronic damage over time.
• Dr. Alka Bhasin defines high salt intake as over 5 grams/day; WHO recommends less than 5g, ideally 1500mg sodium daily.
• Salt retention pulls water into the bloodstream, raising blood pressure and increasing risks of stroke, heart disease, and leg edema.
• Dr. Sheel Bhadra Jain highlights that damage occurs slowly without early symptoms, forcing kidneys to work harder and increasing chronic kidney disease risk.
• Experts advise reading labels, limiting packaged foods, using herbs/spices, and staying hydrated to protect kidney health.

Why It Matters: Reducing salt intake is crucial for kidney health, preventing long-term damage and complications.