High Salt Intake Possibly Linked to Autoimmune Diseases

Having too much salt in your diet is no-no for those with high blood pressure, but what about for those who don't have to deal with this problem? Is an extra dash of salt too much? Several new studies say yes and reveal that too much salt in our diets can actually making our immune systems turn against us.

All of the studies, published in the journal Nature reveal that salt may activate a part of the immune system that can target the body. Essentially, the body's response to infection can go terribly wrong and turn on itself. Such a reaction can lead to diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Type I Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis. While genetics are also associated with a higher risk of these diseases, a lack of Vitamin D in our diets, smoking and too much salt are also associated with autoimmune diseases like MS.

There is some caution warranted about reading too far into the new studies on the link between salt intake and autoimmune diseases. The results are based on early labratory studies, and with all new research, more studies need to be conducted to come to a firmer conclusion between salt intake and MS. However, the researchers do suggest that in the meantime, individuals continue to follow government advice on healthy salt intake and diet.