The adage that too much of anything is bad for you has been emphasised in Ayurveda
Ayurveda teaches that salt is essential for growth, maintaining water-electrolyte balance, and proper digestion, absorption and elimination of wastes. It creates flexibility in the joints, stimulates the appetite and helps digest natural toxins, clearing the subtle channels of the body. It has a calming effect on the nerves and emotions, replenishing and energising the entire body. However, when used excessively it can cause premature wrinkles, thirst, skin problems and weakness.
Throughout time, salt (sodium chloride) has played a vital role in human societies. However, excessive salt consumption could result in serious health problems as it directly impacts the energy levels in one body. Salt is typically made up of fire and water elements and a small amount regulates moisture level in the body which promotes better absorption of nutrients from food, regulates blood pressure and are vital to the functioning of the brain and nervous system.
Eating too much salt can have a range of effects. In the short term, it may cause bloating, severe thirst, and a temporary rise in blood pressure. In severe cases, it may also lead to hypernatremia, which, if left untreated, can be fatal. In Ayurveda, it is established that over-indulgence or ati of any ingredient can cause various imbalances in the human body. From a holistic perspective anything overused, misused or used in a high amount leads to an imbalance and causes destruction.
Similarly, Ayurveda teaches that the sweet taste nourishes and invigorates the mind, relieves hunger and thirst, increases tissues and improves the immune system. Importantly, it is associated with the positive emotions of happiness, contentment, calmness, cheerfulness, love and satisfaction when eaten in appropriate amounts. But again, in moderation.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, we need to consider long-term moderation combined with well-timed and precise restraint. Brown sugar, jaggery and natural fruits are alternatives to refined sugar. Natural sources of sugar are digested slower and help you feel full for longer. It also helps keep your metabolism stable.
Ati sevanam, as per Ayurveda, of salt might lead to high blood pressure or hypertension. While a high amount of fat intake can cause cholesterol to build up in your arteries (blood vessels), too many spices may give acute gastritis. If consumed in moderation, spices help us in combating heart diseases, fight inflammation and keeping the body warm especially in winters. Hence the key is to keep consuming everything in moderation and to avoid atikriya (overdoing) of anything. Whether it be food or any activity.
As recommended by professionals at Vana Retreat, Dehradun, an individual should also practice some tenets of the disciplined lifestyle for content and mindful living. Some of them are: Daily exercising for at least half an hour, avoid excessive exercises, avoid suppression of natural urges like that of urine, avoid daytime sleeping, avoid excessive stress and anger, avoid staying awake during night and others.