SODIUM INTAKE

SODIUM INTAKE

About Sodium 

• • Sodium is a chemical element that has the atomic number eleven and the symbol Na. 
  • It is found in many minerals, including feldspars, sodalite, and halite (NaCl), and is the sixth most abundant element in the crust of the Earth.
  • A small amount of sodium is necessary for the body to function correctly, but too much sodium raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and early death. 
  • Sodium is primarily found in table salt (sodium chloride), although it can also be found in other condiments like sodium glutamate. 

Issues with High Intake of Sodium

• • The highest number of diet-related deaths—roughly 1.89 million annually—are linked to high sodium consumption, which is known to elevate blood pressure and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

• • The average daily intake of salt worldwide is estimated to be 10.8 grams, which is more than twice the WHO’s recommended daily intake of less than five grams (one teaspoon). 

• • An increasing body of research is showing connections between high sodium consumption and a higher risk of various illnesses, including obesity, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and gastric cancer. 

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)

• • Long-lasting conditions called chronic diseases (NCDs) are caused by a confluence of behavioral, physiological, environmental, and genetic factors. 
  • Diabetes, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes are the main categories of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
  • Four behavioral risk factors—an unhealthy diet, inactivity, and alcohol and tobacco use—are shared by the major NCDs.
  • Globalization, rapid unplanned urbanization, and aging are other factors that are linked to the rise in NCDs. 
  • Heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease are among the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that account for 74% of all deaths globally. 

NCDs in India

• • In India, 60% of deaths are related to NCDs. 
  • Chronic respiratory diseases (22%) followed by cancers (12%) and diabetes (3%), account for 45% of all NCD deaths. Cardiovascular diseases include hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. 
  • It has been determined that the single biggest risk factor linked to NCDs is tobacco use.
  • Trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity are also rapidly increasing. 
  • In India, about one in ten adults over the age of 18 have elevated blood sugar. 
  • According to WHO guidelines, over two-thirds of Indian teenagers between the ages of 11 and 17 are physically inactive. Adults who are not physically active make up about 13% of the population. 

Steps Taken by Government of India to Prevent NCDs

• • As part of the National Health Mission (NHM), the Government of India offers technical and financial support to the States and Union Territories (UTs) in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS). 
  • Its main objectives are to improve human resources, infrastructure, health promotion, and raise public awareness of cancer prevention, early diagnosis, management, and NCD treatment referrals to a suitable level of healthcare facility.

Using NHM for screening:

• • The nation has launched a population-based program for the prevention, control, and screening of common non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, hypertension, and common cancers. 
  • People over 30 are the target audience for the initiative’s screening for the three common cancers: oral, breast, and cervical. 
  • One essential component of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centers is the screening of these common cancers. 

The Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Center programme: 

• • Through the promotion of wellness initiatives and focused community outreach, the programme strengthens the preventive aspect of cancer under Comprehensive Primary Health Care. 

Awareness Campaigns: 

• • Observing World Cancer Day and National Cancer Awareness Day are two additional efforts to raise public awareness of cancer and to encourage healthy lifestyle choices. 
  • In addition, NPCDCS provides funding under NHM for States and UTs to undertake information and education campaigns (IECs) on cancer in accordance with their Program Implementation Plans (PIPs). 
  • The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports oversees the Fit India Movement, while the Ministry of AYUSH is in charge of various yoga-related initiatives. 

Recommendations by WHO

• • The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests reducing the amount of sodium in food products, putting in place front-of-pack labeling to assist consumers in choosing products with less sodium, running mass media campaigns to change consumer attitudes toward sodium, and putting in place public food procurement and service policies to lower the amount of 
  • sodium in food that is served or sold. 
  • According to modeling, the implementation of the policy could have a 23% global reduction in sodium intake and a 3% global reduction in cardiovascular deaths by 2030. 
  • Even though the projected worldwide sodium reduction by 2030 falls short of the 30% target, reaching the goal is still doable provided comprehensive, government-led mandatory sodium reduction policies and other measures are put in place as soon as possible.