In a report by the World Health Organization dealing with sodium consumption, which was published on Thursday, the organization warns of the dangers inherent in excessive salt consumption and estimates that the implementation of a policy of reducing salt consumption may help save about seven million people by 2030.
The Director General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that an unhealthy diet “is a major cause of death and disease worldwide, and excessive sodium consumption is one of the main reasons”, according to statements reported by the United Nations website .
“This report also shows that most countries have yet to adopt any mandatory sodium reduction policies, putting their people at risk of heart attacks, strokes and other health problems,” added Dr. Tedros.
The main source of sodium is table salt, but it is also found in other seasonings such as monosodium glutamate. Sodium is an essential nutrient for the body, but it also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death in cases of excessive consumption.
To reverse this trend, the World Health Organization called on all countries to implement sodium reduction programs, and for manufacturers to set ambitious targets for sodium reduction in their products.
The average salt consumption of a person in Western society is estimated at 10.8 grams, more than double the amount recommended by the World Health Organization, which is less than 5 grams per day.
Excessive salt intake is the single most important factor that increases the risk of diet- and nutrition-related deaths. There is further evidence documenting the relationship between high sodium intake and increased risk of diseases such as stomach cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease.