Excess salt and overweight: a risk of premature aging for adolescent cells
According to a recent study conducted by Dr. Zhu Haidong, assistant professor of pediatrics at the medical center of the University of Georgia, USA, overconsumption of salt would play an important role in the premature aging of the cells of people who are overweight or obese. If it had already been proven that this accelerated aging, which comes into play in the development of heart disease, was amplified by heavy smoking or lack of physical activity, this is the first time that the effect of salt has been studied so closely.
Teenagers at risk
The study conducted by the professor focused mainly on teenagers, who are known to have bad eating habits. The researchers gathered 766 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18, who were divided into two groups. Each of these two groups had to consume a different daily amount of sodium. For the first group, it was 2,388 mg/day, while for the second group, it was 4,142 mg/day. While these levels may seem obscure, it is important to remember that the maximum recommended daily dose is 1,500mg, well below the doses consumed here.
Telomeres that shorten, cells that age
The results of this study focused on the length of telomeres, these protective ends of chromosomes that shorten with age, and therefore directly influence the aging of cells. And in the end, it was proven that high sodium intakes significantly decreased telomere length in overweight adolescents, while in normal-weight adolescents, telomeres showed no difference.
This proves that excess salt and overweight combined undermine the health of adolescents: they really cause an acceleration of cellular aging. Remember that obesity is also always associated with chronic inflammation, which already accelerates telomere shortening, and probably increases sodium sensitivity.
A diet to master above all
According to Dr. Zhu Haidong, paying attention to the sodium intake of overweight adolescents is therefore essential. He explains that reducing daily salt intake can be an interesting and easier first step for these teenagers than outright weight loss, especially when it comes to reducing the risk of heart disease. He also recalls that the majority of salt in the diet comes from already processed foods or ready-made dishes, and that it is therefore important to regularly offer fresh, much healthier products.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.