What does too much sodium do to the human body?

As a health professional with expertise in nutrition, I can explain the effects of excessive sodium intake on the human body. Consuming too much sodium can lead to a variety of health issues, primarily due to its impact on the body's fluid balance and blood pressure regulation. Firstly, sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of water in and around your cells, and it plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle function. However, when there is an excess of sodium in the bloodstream, it can cause the body to retain more water than necessary. This is because sodium attracts water, leading to a condition known as fluid retention. The increased fluid volume in the bloodstream puts additional pressure on the blood vessels, which results in higher blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Over time, hypertension can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Additionally, the extra strain on the blood vessels that supply the kidneys can impair kidney function. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, and high levels of sodium can make it more difficult for them to perform this task effectively. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body and potentially cause kidney damage. In summary, while sodium is necessary for various bodily functions, too much of it can disrupt the body's fluid balance, increase blood pressure, and put a strain on the kidneys, leading to a range of health problems.

Eating salt raises the amount of sodium in your bloodstream and wrecks the delicate balance, reducing the ability of your kidneys to remove the water. The result is a higher blood pressure due to the extra fluid and extra strain on the delicate blood vessels leading to the kidneys.