Did you know that excess salt (sodium) in the diet can lead to high blood pressure? Why... — 17 мая 2026 г. в 13:58:00.500
Did you know that excess salt (sodium) in the diet can lead to high blood pressure? Why is that? Let’s explore this together with Oksana Sergeyevna Kabanova, a cardiologist, specialist in functional diagnostics, and Chief Physician of the Consultative and Diagnostic Polyclinic at the Northern State Medical University (NSMU). ❗Not all patients are aware that salt can sometimes cause high blood pressure! Sodium (salt) retains fluid in the body, thereby increasing blood volume, which in turn puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure. ❓Which foods are high in salt and not recommended for patients with high blood pressure? 🔹 Processed foods. These include fast food, ready‑made meals, sausages, ham, smoked meats, and canned foods. They often contain high amounts of salt to enhance flavour and extend shelf life. 🔹 Salty snacks. Chips, crackers, and salted nuts typically contain significant amounts of salt and unhealthy fats. 🔹 Pickled and salted vegetables. For example, salted cucumbers, sauerkraut, pickled tomatoes, or salads. The pickling process uses a lot of salt in the brine, and sodium remains in the final product. 🔹 Cured meats. Bacon and other types of cured meat are often high in sodium. 🔹 Cheeses. Especially hard varieties can contain considerable amounts of salt. 🔹 Canned soups. Many of them have high salt content to preserve flavour. 🔹 Tomato sauces and ketchups. These often contain large amounts of added salt. 🔹 Frozen pizzas (especially those with many toppings). They can be high in sodium. 🔹 Soy sauce. This product is also notable for its high salt content. 🔹 Herring and other salted fish. ❗Recommendations for reducing salt intake: ✅ Avoid over‑salted foods. ✅ Cook without salt or use it sparingly. ✅ Read food labels and choose products with lower sodium chloride content. ✅ Use salt‑free seasonings to enhance flavour: herbs, spices, lemon juice, etc. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults consume no more than 5 g of salt per day (approximately 1 teaspoon). For people with hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or the elderly, even stricter limits may be necessary. Before making changes to your diet, consult a doctor or dietitian, as individual responses to foods may vary. ✅ This publication is timed to coincide with Arterial Hypertension Awareness Week and adherence to prescribed therapy (in honour of World Hypertension Day on May 17).