Colds
Low levels of salt (sodium) in the body cause cold symptoms, including cough and congestion. The human body needs sodium to maintain blood pressure and fluid balance. The kidneys help regulate the amount of sodium in the body by removing excess amounts through urine. Symptoms of mild to moderate salt deficiency include fatigue and weakness, muscle cramps, headaches or migraines, stomach upset, bloating, and weight loss.
What happens if a person doesn’t get enough salt? Most people are overeating salt, leading to high blood pressure. With high blood pressure, fluid tends to build up in the feet, causing difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
The best way to prevent low sodium levels is to follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. It also is important not to overindulge in salty foods like chips or processed foods that contain a lot of preservatives.
