Is sugar or salt the biggest problem in our diets?

[YojanaFitbit]

Even though most of us try to eat "everything in moderation", it is not always easy.

Sugar

For example, "All sugars, regardless of how they're labeled—white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, evaporated cane sugar, brown sugar—have a similar effect on the body in raising blood sugar levels, causing the production of insulin," says Murdoc Khaleghi, M.D., medical director of WellnessFX. 🤔 I heard about this a couple of years ago and that was why I've been trying to drink water or fruit juice.

If this is not enough information for you read this: "When the liver is overwhelmed by processing too much fructose, a metabolic chain reaction can occur, with several studies linking this reaction to increased risks of abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease." 😣

Salt

Now, our body needs salt to regulate fluids and carry electrical charges between cells. However, "while the effects of sugar are becoming increasingly understood, how salt affects our health is more debated". For most healthy people, a moderate amount of salt is easily processed, and actually required by the body, while excess amounts may contribute to long-term health issues. 

Experts believed sodium causes fluid retention in the body, and a buildup of pressure in blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to major health problems, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as kidney and vision problems. 🤔

How do you control sugar and salt consumption...?

[NellyG]

I eat a pretty high salt diet - as recommended by my doctor.  If I reduce my salt to more 'normal' levels my blood pressure drops and I feel faint and dizzy. I realise I am unusual though.

[YojanaFitbit]

Actually, this is the first time I hear something similar. It's good to know that your doctor is helping you to get the correct amount of salt. I'm pregnant so I have to be very careful with my salt consumption, but my problem is more related with sugar though. 😅