Hypertension too much salt in ready meals

Hypertension: Germans eat too much salt

12/12/2013

Salt is the most consumed mineral that man consumes. The body needs sufficient intake to regulate the water balance, so that the nervous system remains functional and the digestive process is regulated. In the production of meat and sausage products, bread and cheese, the use of table salt is essential. It serves as a preservative and flavor carrier.

Some foods only get a pleasant mouthfeel through the addition of table salt. How much salt man should eat depends on the climatic conditions and also varies from person to person. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that daily consumption of 5 grams of table salt is harmless. However, German physicians are concerned about salt intake in German households. They warn against over-consumption, which should also be guilty of ready meals. According to estimates, people in this country eat twice as much salt as is recommended, the expert explains. Already in the 1970s, hypertension was associated with increased salt consumption.

Under the guidance of the experts, a specialist congress of the German High Pressure League will take place until Saturday in Münster. 800 physicians from all over Germany are discussing the causes of hypertension and possible therapies. The salt must consume, is beyond question, because it is essential for the functionality of the body. Salt binds fluids in the body, which in turn indirectly leads to higher blood pressure, according to the expert. The average salt intake of Germans is ten to twelve gram, which is more than twice as much as recommended. Only in the past 20 to 30 years has salt consumption increased so much. The food industry contributes a significant part of this.

Eckert explains that by eliminating salting, the amount can be reduced by 10 to 15 percent. Those who eat a lot of freshly prepared food and eat properly fruits and vegetables lowers their blood pressure. But it is not only through food that a hypotensive effect can be achieved. Music and relaxation contribute as well. It has been found that classical music in particular leads to relaxation and lowering of blood pressure in many people. If you want to do something good for your blood pressure at home, Eckert recommends the progressive muscle tension according to Edmund Jacobson. In her individual muscle groups are alternately tense and relaxed again. The experts were able to determine regular exercises, the blood pressure drops noticeably in the long term. The effect is almost as if hypertensive drugs were taken, explains the senior physician. (Fr)