Kettering Health | Strive | Fall 2023

10 ketteringhealth.org Surender Neravetla, MD, is a cardiothoracic surgeon with Kettering Health Salt is one of the most common ingredients in our food. But consuming too much of it can be dangerous for long-term health. “Salt is a silent killer,” says Dr. Surender Neravetla. Most people won’t notice the damaging effects on their bodies, he warns, “until a major problem occurs.” Salt is linked to many health issues In his book, Salt Kills1, Dr. Neravetla wrote that tens of millions of Americans suffer from Nutrition Too much salt can be dangerous conditions caused or aggravated by the amount of salt they regularly consume. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common health problem in the world, and salt intake is a primary cause. Excess salt narrows and stiffens our blood vessels and causes them to lose elasticity over time, forcing the heart to work harder to pump, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. It also impacts brain health. “High blood pressure constantly affects the parts of the brain that store memories,” Dr. Neravetla says. People with hypertension are more likely to experience cognitive decline and develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In addition, salt intake is linked to autoimmune issues, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Research shows that a high-salt diet can send Th17 cells, which protect your body from external Shake S a ekhthe shaker habit

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