According to her, it’s not necessary to completely give up your favorite pickled foods, but it's important to know your limits.
“The daily salt intake for an adult should be around five grams. Brines contain beneficial elements in the form of electrolytes: sodium, chloride, and potassium. Additionally, vitamins and minerals from the pickled vegetables leach into the brine. This makes the brine beneficial, which is why it is often used for recovery after evening festivities or celebrations. It helps to normalize the overall water balance in the body by attracting salt and water,” the expert explained.
However, there is a downside. According to the nutritionist, excessive salt leads to increased fluid retention in the body. All internal organs begin to work harder, and the body becomes puffy. Moreover, an excess of salt, especially sodium, can cause thirst, drowsiness, and in extreme cases, even epileptic seizures.
The expert pointed out that too much salt also negatively impacts the gastrointestinal tract, especially if there are existing issues.
“One of the main consequences of excess salt is the increased strain on internal organs such as the kidneys and heart. This leads to the narrowing of blood vessels and elevated blood pressure. For individuals with hypertension or a labile nervous system prone to crises, this can be extremely dangerous,” the nutritionist added.
If someone enjoys salty foods like cucumbers or tomatoes from a jar, it’s advisable to rinse them with water to remove excess salt. After this treatment, the flavor and beneficial properties remain intact while the salt content decreases.
Nikitina also noted that it's not necessary to completely eliminate salty foods, but moderation is key. Additionally, she reminded individuals with hypertension about the importance of taking prescribed medications and monitoring salt intake, especially before bedtime.