Does Salt Intake Raise Your Cholesterol Levels?
When your blood pressure rises, your arteries can become damaged over time. Damaged arteries are more likely to accumulate cholesterol-rich plaques, which can eventually lead to atherosclerosis, heart attack, or stroke.
Some research suggests that high salt intake may impact how your body processes fats and cholesterol. For example, a high sodium diet may reduce the effectiveness of medications designed to manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
It can also contribute to weight gain due to water retention and increased thirst, which may lead to higher calorie intake. Carrying extra weight, particularly around the abdomen, is a known risk factor for elevated cholesterol levels.
If you're managing high cholesterol, it's wise to monitor your sodium intake alongside dietary cholesterol and saturated fats. Processed and packaged foods often contain high levels of salt, saturated fats, and trans fats, creating a compounding effect that can worsen heart health.
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Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and flavor your meals with herbs, spices, and citrus instead of salt.
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