On Feb 20, 10:56*am, "The Todal" wrote:
"Martin Brown" wrote in message

...



Yeah. Right. They look about as authoritative as the claims that high
fructose corn syrup is good for you (if you want type II diabetes and
hypertension) or tobacco industry stuff proving that smoking does not
cause cancer. Why I am not surprised that various salt manufacturers
associations are saying that you should eat shed loads of salt - could it
be that they profit from increased sales?

Some dietary salt is essential, but it is also true that far too much
modern processed food contains way too much salt (and sugar).

Sodium is so common in the environment that it is rare to be deficient
today unless you do something very silly on a fad diet.

Sodium chloride is associated with stomach cancer. People eat far too much
added salt in their diet.

I agree that the average person may consume too much salt. This fact
is the reason why they have a recommened maximum and not a minimum.
Sodium is essential for life.

All known higher lifeforms require a subtle and complex electrolyte
balance between the intracellular and extracellular environment. In
particular, the maintenance of precise osmotic gradients of
electrolytes is important. Such gradients affect and regulate the
hydration of the body as well as blood pH, and are critical for nerve
and muscle function. Various mechanisms exist in living species that
keep the concentrations of different electrolytes under tight control.

Both muscle tissue and neurons are considered electric tissues of the
body. Muscles and neurons are activated by electrolyte activity
between the extracellular fluid or interstitial fluid, and
intracellular fluid. Electrolytes may enter or leave the cell membrane
through specialized protein structures embedded in the plasma membrane
called ion channels. For example, muscle contraction is dependent upon
the presence of calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+).
Without sufficient levels of these key electrolytes, muscle weakness
or severe muscle contractions may occur.

Serious electrolyte disturbances, such as dehydration and
overhydration, may lead to cardiac and neurological complications and,
unless they are rapidly resolved, will result in a medical emergency.