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A thorough recently published research has uncovered concerning patterns amongst population from North India, including excessive consumption of salt and insufficient intake of potassium.
The consumption of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein can affect the likelihood of acquiring non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease – common health issues in India that are rapidly increasing.
The latest research, which was published in Frontiers in Nutrition, involved observing 400 adult participants over a 24-hour period and analyzing their urinary excretion levels. The participants included both healthy individuals and those with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The analysis showed concerning patterns among individuals, such as consumption of too much salt that exceeds recommended amounts, insufficient intake of potassium that can lead to hypertension, heart disease, and CKD, and inadequate consumption of protein according to recommended guidelines.
The researchers cautioned that having too much sodium and too little potassium in one’s diet increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
“Bengaluru, India is experiencing its most severe water scarcity in four decades.”
The results emphasize the importance of promoting public awareness, implementing changes to food policies, and providing individual counseling for tailored dietary changes in order to decrease the likelihood of prevalent non-communicable diseases.
According to Vivekanand Jha, a co-author from The George Institute for Global Health, an unhealthy diet significantly increases the likelihood of non-communicable diseases (NCD), which are a significant concern for public health.
He stated that the significant consumption of salt and lack of potassium in our diets highlight the need for specific interventions aimed at both individuals and communities.
Experts recommend implementing various approaches, such as making nutrition details more accessible on food packaging to enable individuals to select more nutritious options, and decreasing sodium in packaged foods.
According to Dr. Jha, the research indicates the significance of establishing dietary recommendations tailored to each region. It is imperative to address nutrient imbalances and promote healthier eating habits by expanding the variety of foods consumed.
They are also advocating for initiatives promoting the increased consumption of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables.
The study concluded that these findings can assist in creating specific dietary policies aimed at reducing the risk and progression of CKD.
Source: independent.co.uk
