Hypertension is one of the most common health conditions that people suffer from these days. While there are a number of factors that can cause hypertension like stress or other underlying health conditions, what can make it worse is consuming too much salt. So, if you're someone who eats out a lot, remember that most entrees at restaurants contain a full day's allotment of salt; that's 2,300 milligrams, or about one teaspoon.
A study conducted in the US found that most Americans eat out for up to five days a week and because of this all the salt adds up in their body. This can easily lead to high blood pressure levels which may cause heart disease or stroke. They also found that the average American consumes 50% more salt than is recommended and this often starts from childhood. While children between 6 to 10 years consume 2,900 mg a day, teens consume nearly 3,700 mg.
It was also found that more than 80% of the salt consumed was added by manufacturers of processed foods or was consumed via restaurants. The more a child eats out, the more he risks showing symptoms of pre-hypertension and this can eventually lead to full-blown hypertension as he grows up. So, if you want to keep your salt intake to a minimum, ensure that you ask the restaurant how much salt they're putting in the food when you order it. And if by chance you feel that your food is lacking the right amount of salt, avoid sprinkling some on from the top.
