Salt, consisting of 40% sodium and 60% chloride is a mineral that we all love and perhaps fear. Even though sodium is crucial for muscle and nerve function, too much of it can have a negative effect – especially if you suffer from salt sensitivity.
In this article, we will discuss salt sensitivity by explaining what this phenomenon is as well as which symptoms to watch out for and how to determine whether or not you suffer from this sensitivity.
What is Salt Sensitivity?
Salt sensitivity determines whether or not your body is equipped to deal with salt or not. It looks at how your blood pressure reacts to the consumption of salt. If you are salt sensitive you are more likely to experience and struggle with high blood pressure. This reaction is said to be caused by the kidney’s abnormal response to salt.
Symptoms of Salt Sensitivity
Salt sensitivity is a little difficult to pinpoint on symptoms alone; however, there are a few things one can monitor that if present could indicate a sensitivity. If your blood pressure tends to spike after consuming salt and you are noticing fluid retention (swelling) in your body it could indicate that your body is having a hard time excreting sodium effectively. Some other symptoms could include increased urination and extreme thirst.
How Do You Test for Salt Sensitivity?
Salt sensitivity is said to be caused by genetic variations in humans. Therefore, one can test whether or not one is prone to being salt sensitive. Geneway is a company that specialises in determining the healthiest lifestyle for your body based on your genetic makeup. The GENEWELL at-home DNA test is able to test for genetic variations in your physiological processes, including salt sensitivity. Some of the other risks that can be tested for include blood clotting, caffeine metabolism, cancer risk, cholesterol, dementia, drug metabolism, heart disease and so much more.
To find out more about how Geneway can help you live your healthiest and happiest life by catering to your genetic makeup, contact one of our practitioners.