Stress makes people eat more salted
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The results of a new study of scientists led by Dr. Gregory Harshfield of the University of Georgia show that during an stressful state, excessive amounts of salt are retained in the human body.
The team of specialists carried out calculations and found out that at the moment of stressful situation the organism is able to delay on the average about 160 mg of salt. Approximately the same amount of salt is contained in a small bag of chips.
"Salt, like stress, can increase blood pressure, that is, cause cardiovascular disease. In addition, the body, regulating the salt content in the body, is forced to get rid of its excess, removing it through the kidneys with urine, along with salt, washing out the body and calcium, "- say the experts.
It is important to monitor the diet, because the recommended daily dose of salt is up to 2.3 grams (the optimal dose is 1.5 grams), whereas in a stressful state people usually consume about 3.7 grams.
Studies have shown that African Americans - participants in the survey - are succumbing to stress, consume more salt and their blood pressure is significantly increased.
As a result, at the end of the day, the amount of salt they consume increases by 0.5 grams, compared to their usual daily dose. At the same time, their daily diet so far exceeds the recommended intake of salt by the physicians.
"Everyone knows that stress, like an excessively rich diet, does not benefit our health. However, when people are prone to a nervous shake, their body requires a dose of salt. This can happen several times a day, "says Dr. Harshfield.
The author of the study explained that an elevated salt content in the body can lead to an increase in blood pressure during sleep, when the body recovers from daytime activity. According to experts, the most accurate indications of blood pressure can be measured at night, because during sleep, a person is not influenced by external factors and irritants, in particular, it is not affected by stress.
Harshfield notes that excess salt can be removed from the body with the help of angiotensin blockers, which are used in the treatment of arterial hypertension, but the most correct and favorable way is still moderate consumption of salt for food.
Dr. Gregory Harshfield of the University of Georgia, along with his assistants, continues work on the project, exploring the effect of salt on the human body and the patterns of its consumption.
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