The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of consuming too much salt and sodium. He emphasized the link between excessive salt intake and Hypertension as well as other heart diseases. The message was delivered during a press briefing in Abuja marking the 2024 Salt Awareness Week, centred around the theme It’s time to focus on salt. Mr. Pate, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Daju Kachollom, revealed that the federal government will increase efforts to educate the public about the risks associated with consuming too much salt.
According to the minister, at least 10 percent of deaths from cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria are due to excessive sodium consumption. He also mentioned that there are different estimates for how much sodium Nigerian adults consume each day, with some reports stating 2.3 grams and others as high as 10 grams. Similarly, the intake of dietary salt varies from 5.8 to 25 grams daily. He added that this number exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for daily sodium and salt consumption by a considerable amount.
Govt has implemented programs to reduce salt consumption.
Reducing salt intake is vital for managing blood pressure. By doing so, individuals can lower their risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. He warns that salt is often sneakily included in people’s diets, leading to a higher prevalence of heart-related illnesses among their family and friends. In Mr. Pate’s opinion, Nigeria is also impacted by the worldwide rise in hypertension and heart diseases. The silent increase in health risks linked to consuming too much salt is influenced by the decisions we make when preparing meals, the ingredients we add to our dishes, and the snacks we choose to indulge in during our free time.
Referencing a report by WHO, he indicated that nearly 18 million deaths were attributed to excessive salt consumption, resulting in health complications like hypertension, heart disease, and strokes. He advocated for the adoption of initiatives to lower sodium consumption, which could result in substantial healthcare cost reductions and as well prevent the need for expensive treatments for illnesses linked to high levels of sodium intake. Pate mentioned that the federal government has implemented various programs aimed at reducing the consumption of salt and promoting a healthier Nigeria.
WHO recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, the country representative for WHO, highlighted the connection between high salt intake and diseases like gastric Cancer and kidney disease. Mulombo emphasized that the global average sodium intake exceeds WHO’s recommendations. Urgent Public Health communication is needed to educate individuals on the risks of consuming excessive salt and sodium. WHO recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams (around 2g of sodium) per person daily to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are the main reason behind deaths worldwide.
Alarming data reveals major changes in the Nigerian diet in the last ten years, as local stores are now filled with processed foods and seasonings containing excessive sodium. The rise of unhealthy fast-food restaurants also presents a serious danger to the well-being of the population. Reducing the amount of salt consumed globally, from 9-12 grams per day to under 5 grams per day, could significantly lower blood pressure and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. This change could potentially prevent around 2.5 million deaths caused by heart attacks and strokes annually across the globe.
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Lowering sodium consumption is a highly cost-effective method to enhance well-being and alleviate the impact of noncommunicable illnesses. By implementing various sodium-related strategies, countries can significantly reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular incidents and fatalities without incurring high expenses. The World Health Organization encourages nations to swiftly adopt these best practices to mitigate the burden of cardiovascular disease and minimize related costs. Some strategies for improving public health through Nutrition include reducing the amount of sodium in food, using clear labelling on the front of packages, running widespread advertising campaigns, and changing the food options in public facilities.