While excessive salt consumption is known to be detrimental, inadequate salt can also have severe consequences.
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A low-salt diet has been linked to low blood pressure, dehydration, low sodium levels, and increased blood fat levels.
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
A low-salt diet can occasionally cause hypotension, which is defined as having a lower blood pressure than normal.
Symptoms of hypotension may include dizziness, nausea, fainting, blurred vision, depression, and thirst.
This risk is increased for persons with a history of heart failure, as treatment frequently seeks to drastically reduce blood pressure.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended for people who are impacted.
Dehydration
Sodium is essential for maintaining fluid equilibrium in the body, and a low-salt diet may cause dehydration.
Dehydration happens when there is insufficient fluid in the body, and symptoms include dry skin, a dry mouth, and increased thirst. Severe dehydration might lead to hospitalisation or even death.
Older folks and malnourished people are especially sensitive, and their fluid intake should be constantly monitored.
Low blood sodium levels (hyponatraemia)
A low-salt diet can cause hyponatraemia, which is when blood sodium levels fall below normal.
Hyponatraemia can cause neurological problems such as disorientation, seizures, and, in severe cases, coma.
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and nausea are also possible. Older persons are especially vulnerable and should seek medical attention if they develop these symptoms.
Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
Restricting salt intake has been linked to higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
A 2016 study of 12,210 adults discovered that lowering dietary salt resulted in a 2.9% increase in cholesterol and a 6.3% increase in triglycerides, independent of whether the subjects had hypertension.
Elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
