Asst. said that today, while infectious diseases are decreasing, the incidence of chronic diseases is increasing in Turkish society. Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Ünal stated that excessive salt consumption is not only a cause of high blood pressure, but also closely related to the development of stomach cancer, osteoporosis and kidney diseases, which have become important health problems today. Unal continued his statement: “Today, while infectious diseases are decreasing, the incidence of chronic diseases is increasing in Turkish society. Changes in eating habits and sedentary lifestyles have caused obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases to become more common. In addition to Western fast food eating habits, excessive salt consumption is also one of the causes of chronic diseases. For this reason, in order to gradually reduce salt consumption in our society to recommended levels in order to protect public health and prevent the formation of diseases, the 'Turkey Excessive Salt Consumption Reduction Program' was created by the Ministry of Health and entered into force as a health policy. Excessive salt consumption is also a modifiable unhealthy eating practice and is at the root of many chronic diseases. Hypertension, in which excessive salt consumption is an important factor, is the number one risk factor among preventable causes of death in the world. Salt is an important factor in increasing blood pressure, causing hypertension in 3 out of 10 adults. When hypertension is controlled, the incidence of stroke and heart failure is halved. In addition, it has been determined that excessive salt consumption is not only a cause of high blood pressure, but also closely related to the development of stomach cancer, osteoporosis and kidney diseases, which have become important health problems today. The recommended daily amount of salt for an adult is 5 g. This amount, which corresponds to 1 teaspoon of salt, is already taken through daily foods. In our country, this amount is approximately 3 times the recommended amount (15 gr.). Studies have shown that daily salt intake of 5 grams or more (2000 mg sodium) increases the risk of total cardiovascular disease. It increases the risk of stroke by 17% and stroke by 23%. Salt intake has been reduced by approximately 6 grams per person in the last 30 years. "But it is not yet at a sufficient level," he said.
Talking about ways to reduce salt consumption, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Ünal listed these roads as follows; “Always choose foods that are fresh and without added salt. Meals should be cooked with little or no salt. Iodized salt should definitely be used. Salt intake can be reduced by 15% by not using a salt shaker at the table. Give up the habit of using salt before tasting food. If you have a health problem such as hypertension, be sure to read the labels of the ready-made products you buy. Choose 'salt-free' or 'reduced salt' foods. Choose spices and flavoring agents such as parsley, mint, thyme, dill, fennel and basil instead of salt. Pickles, ketchup, mustard, olives, soy sauce, salad dressings, etc. Foods have high salt content. Stay away from these foods or consume them very rarely."
Talking about the harms of excessive salt consumption, Assistant Professor Dr. Mustafa Ünal said that excessive salt consumption causes high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, osteoporosis, kidney diseases and some types of cancer. indicated that it was opened.
Read: 0
