The high price of sodium

To raise awareness and encourage manufacturers to reduce salt and sodium in food products, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (Thai Health) organised a forum titled “Reducing Salt/Sodium Consumption In Thailand” at the Thai Health office. At the forum, Dr Chantana Ungchusak, chairman of the board of healthy food planning, said that excessive salt intake can cause high blood pressure, heart conditions, reduce kidney functions and clog blood vessels, which can lead to death.

“In 2020, Thais consumed an average of 3,636mg of salt per day, which exceeds the World Health Organization’s maximum recommended limit of 2,000mg per day. If Thais can change their consumption behaviour by reducing sodium intake to 700 or 800mg per day, it will reduce the risk of heart disease and clogged blood vessels by 20% and deaths by 5-7%,” said Dr…