• Published on: Oct 14, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Happens If You Eat Too Much Salt?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

What Happens If You Eat Too Much Salt?

Eating too much salt causes a few minor problems that can spiral out of control in extreme cases. The human body regulates its own sodium levels through a complex feedback system with the kidneys. This natural process works well, in general, when habitually ingesting a small amount of sodium daily in food and fluid. Those who eat a lot more than the recommended intake of salt have to increase the output from their kidneys to flush it from their system but eventually may have difficulty excreting any more without help from medical intervention.

In extreme cases, if people continue to eat high doses of dietary salt, they may experience edema--swelling or puffiness caused by excessive water retention-- which is marked by hands and feet swelling up.

Eating too much salt can lead to hypertension, which is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It is also associated with strokes and myocardial infarction. Potassium-rich foods are capable of sending the nerve signal that regularizes blood pressure. Sufficient potassium intake can help to combat salty food cravings because it stabilizes large volumes of fluids necessary for salt absorption, leading to normalized sodium balance across all cells in our body. It will reduce blood pressure within just a few days by countering all those dangerous cells that depend on high sodium concentrations -- bad news for our heart's health!

Beware! If you want the benefits without excess internal or external weight gain, then you should consume unprocessed plant foods.

Too much salt in one's diet can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity/overweight, stomach cancer. The main cause of increased blood pressure is the increased levels of sodium that are common in many processed foods. Since these foods have no other merits to recommend, they should be eliminated from the diet so as not to exacerbate this problem. Raw vegetables are nutrient-packed and provide plenty of minerals for proper digestion without the sugars or chemical additives found in processed foods so it's best to get all possible taste satisfaction from fresh produce rather than forsake quality for an even saltier replacement like potato chips or French Fries.

Too much salt can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, headaches, and stomach upset. This is because too much sodium reduces the absorption of nutrients, including potassium. If the intake of salt exceeds that required for balance in the body then it will be excreted in sweat or urine either to dilute or eliminate excess amounts; this can lead to electrolyte imbalance (a depletion of sodium and other minerals) which may diminish muscular contraction/reaction time, impair heat tolerance and interfere with digestion.

It may result in high blood pressure. Sodium puts more pressure on the kidneys to filter out the extra salt from your body which leads to fluid retention and in some cases can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Sodium in your body is essential, but too much of it is dangerous because it can restrict circulation and raise blood pressure. It's important that you limit how much sodium you get every day, especially if you're over 40 years old, have diabetes, get headaches when exercising, or are African American. Get used to using fresh herbs and spices instead of table salt for cooking- this will also help keep your sodium intake down! Cook with broth instead of water- flavor often gets lost when boiled.

You can experience those nasty side effects as a result of drinking too much salt, such as stomach problems and high blood pressure. It acts as a stimulant to contract your muscles so it can increase the flow of blood. Ingesting excessive amounts of sodium through food or water stimulates thirst and causes an increase in urine output which then reduces the amount you take in. When there is a lack of sufficient fluid intake within 24 hours, which is needed to replace lost fluids from sweat and excretion, dehydration may occur allowing excessively high concentrations to form in the body. As well, electrolytes which are important for key bodily reactions will not be replenished leading to muscle cramps caused by potassium depletion.

Too much salt can disturb your electrolytes, which are minerals that help transmit electric signals in the body. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle cramps, confusion, or even coma. It has also been shown to lead to high blood pressure and kidney stones. Hallucinations have been known to occur when consuming an excess of salt due to being placed on a low sodium diet. The symptom list ranges from nausea and headaches because your brain cells are swollen by water retention caused by increased urination because so much salt is consumed or you're connected to a dialysis machine or one for someone with chronic renal failure; low blood sugar; lack of appetite; difficulty concentrating, behavioral problems like mood swings

It makes it harder for your body to regulate some fluids and electrolytes, including sodium and potassium. It increases the risk of chemically-induced water retention, which can lead to increased blood pressure and increased risk of getting kidney stones. It also weakens the intestinal lining, making it easier for bad bacteria to get in and cause infections.

Some people report things like increased thirst, increased urination, and nausea. Others may get severe headaches or lightheadedness. But other symptoms include weakness in the extremities, depression, and confusion -- all symptoms of significant dehydration. There are some links between hypertension and too much salt as well.

People who are more sensitive to salt need to reduce the amount they are eating gradually so their body has adequate time for adjustment. Again, it's important not to ignore these symptoms by eating even more salt since it only worsens the problem with prolonged use--the solution is foods that don't require much or any sodium at all - fruits & vegetables.

Read Blog
Stigma of Depression in Indian Families: Breaking the Silence

Stigma of Depression in Indian Families: Breaking the Silence

Introduction

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide. In India, it affects an estimated 56 million people, yet very few receive treatment. Why? One of the biggest barriers is stigma within families and society. For many Indians, depression is not discussed openly. Instead, it is whispered about, ignored, or dismissed as laziness, weakness, or lack of faith. This stigma prevents countless individuals from seeking the help they desperately need.

This blog explores the stigma of depression in Indian families, the data that highlights the problem, and practical steps to break the silence.

 

The Scale of the Problem

  • According to the National Mental Health Survey (2015–16), nearly 14% of India’s population suffers from some form of mental disorder, with depression being among the most common.

  • Yet, the treatment gap—the proportion of people who need care but don’t receive it—ranges between 70% and 92% for depression and other mental disorders.

  • A WHO survey ranked India among the top 10 countries with highest mental health stigma.

  • In a 2022 survey across urban and rural India, 57% of respondents admitted they would hesitate to marry someone with a history of depression, showing stigma affects not just health but social life.

 

Why Is Depression Stigmatized in Indian Families?

  1. Cultural Beliefs
    Many still believe depression is a “Western problem” or a result of weak character. In some families, it’s seen as a spiritual failing or bad karma.
     

  2. Fear of Social Judgment
    Families worry about what relatives, neighbors, or society will think. Mental illness is often considered a “family dishonor.”
     

  3. Lack of Awareness
    Depression symptoms—like fatigue, lack of concentration, sleep problems—are often misunderstood as laziness or disinterest.
     

  4. Marriage & Career Concerns
    Families fear that acknowledging depression will affect marriage prospects or job opportunities for their children.
     

  5. Generational Gap
    Older generations may not recognize depression as an illness, while younger family members are more open to acknowledging it.
     

 

Real Stories from Surveys

  • In a Delhi-based survey (NIMHANS, 2019), 40% of respondents believed mental illness was a punishment from God.

  • In a Mumbai corporate survey (2021), 46% of employees said they wouldn’t disclose depression to their manager due to stigma.

  • In rural Uttar Pradesh, a field study found 70% of families sought faith healers before consulting a psychiatrist.
     

These stories reveal how stigma delays medical treatment.

 

Consequences of Stigma

  • Delayed Treatment: Families discourage psychiatric help, leading to worsening symptoms.

  • Isolation: Patients often hide their struggles to avoid judgment.

  • Increased Suicide Risk: India has one of the world’s highest suicide rates — 164,000 suicides in 2021, many linked to untreated depression.

  • Burden on Families: Silence adds emotional and financial strain to households.
     

 

Breaking the Stigma: What Families Can Do

  1. Treat Depression as an Illness
    Just like diabetes or heart disease, depression requires medical care. Families must accept it is not a weakness.
     

  2. Encourage Open Conversations
    Let family members talk about their struggles without fear of judgment.
     

  3. Seek Professional Help Early
    Psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors can provide effective treatment. Family support in attending appointments is critical.
     

  4. Use Reliable Information Sources
    Government programs (like the National Mental Health Programme) and NGOs (like The Live Love Laugh Foundation) run awareness campaigns.
     

  5. Promote Mental Health Literacy
    Schools, workplaces, and community groups can educate families about depression.
     

 

Role of Awareness Campaigns

  • Bollywood and sports stars like Deepika Padukone and Virat Kohli have spoken about mental health, helping normalize the conversation.

  • Campaigns like “It’s Okay to Talk” and #SayNoToStigma have reached millions, especially younger audiences.

  • But surveys still show gaps: over 50% of Indians still hesitate to seek psychiatric care.
     

 

The Way Forward

  • Policy Support: The Mental Healthcare Act (2017) recognizes depression treatment as a right. But families must support utilization.

  • Community Involvement: Local health workers (ASHA, Anganwadi) should be trained to spread awareness.

  • Integrating with Primary Care: Depression screening should be routine for patients with diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
     

 

Conclusion & Call to Action

The stigma of depression in Indian families is a heavy burden — but it can be overcome. Open dialogue, early help-seeking, and treating depression as a medical condition can transform lives.

If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to a doctor, book a mental health consultation with SecondMedic, or join a support group today. Remember, asking for help is not weakness—it is strength.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic