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New research from the UK Biobank suggests that regularly adding salt to meals may increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease by up to 11%. The study, involving 465,288 people, found a correlation between salt consumption and kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are known causes of this condition. However, those who frequently added salt to their food also had a higher likelihood of developing the disease. The numbers ranged from 4% for occasional salt users to 11% for those who always added salt. The study recommended reducing salt intake as a potential strategy to lower the risk of chronic kidney disease in the general population.
Impact of Salt on the Body
Salt has a number of effects on the body. Sodium, a component of table salt, can affect the body's fluid balance. Therefore when you consume salt, your body retains water to keep a proper balance of sodium and water in the cells. Furthermore, the increased fluid volume puts additional strain on the heart and blood vessels. This can lead to an elevation in blood pressure.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a well-established risk factor for chronic kidney disease. The increased pressure in the blood vessels over time can damage the delicate structures of the kidneys. This impairs their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream. This damage contributes to the development and progression of chronic kidney disease.
Salt and Kidney Disease
The link between the two can be partially explained by the impact of salt on blood pressure. Excessive salt intake can contribute to hypertension, and as a consequence, it may indirectly lead to the development of chronic kidney disease. Thus reducing salt intake is often recommended. This is not only for blood pressure management, but also for overall kidney health.
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