Saqib Rather
Srinagar, Aug 10: A pinch of salt may seem harmless, but doctors say excessive salt consumption can gradually increase the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, making every day eating habits an important part of preventive healthcare.
The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than 5 grams of salt a day, including salt obtained from all foods and drinks. However, health experts say many people do not realise how much sodium they consume because it is present not only in the salt added during cooking but also in pickles, packaged snacks, processed foods, sauces and other ready-to-eat products.
“People usually think only about the salt they add to their food, but they often forget about the salt already present in processed and packaged products,” said Dr. Saqib Mir, Consultant Physician.
Doctors say high blood pressure can remain unnoticed for years because it often does not produce clear symptoms. If left uncontrolled, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.
“A person can have high blood pressure and still feel completely healthy,” said Dr. Bilal Ahmad, Consultant Cardiologist. “That is why regular blood-pressure checks are important, particularly for people with a family history of hypertension.”
Nutritionists say reducing salt does not mean giving up traditional Kashmiri food. They advise families to gradually reduce the amount of salt used while cooking and limit foods that are particularly high in sodium.
“Our traditional food can remain part of a healthy diet,” said Dr. Nusrat Jan, Clinical Nutritionist. “The key is moderation and being more conscious about how much salt is being added at different stages of cooking.”
Doctors also caution against relying on taste alone to judge salt intake, as people can gradually become accustomed to highly salty food.
“The palate can adapt when salt is reduced slowly,” said a public-health nutritionist. “Small changes in daily cooking habits can make a difference over the long term.”
Health experts say there is currently insufficient representative local data to conclude that Kashmiris as a whole consume a specific amount of salt above recommended levels. However, they stress that the established relationship between excess sodium and high blood pressure makes reducing salt intake an important preventive step. For families across Kashmir, doctors say the message is straightforward: watch the salt, check your blood pressure and do not wait for symptoms before taking care of your heart health.
