68 | May 2012 | woman this month Showcase Regulate your Intake BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL We’ve all heard the phrase “salt is bad for you”. WTM sits down with Dr Jafar Al-Said to talk about the realities of this rumour. Social Butterfly KPMG Celebrates International Women's Day KPMG held a special celebration to mark International Women's Day at the Capital Club, Bahrain Financial Harbour Amina Andrea & Gopika Wafa & Amna Beverly, Julie & Shahenaz The nephrology and internal medicine consultant, who practises at Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH), stresses that, in this part of the world, very little emphasis is put on the effects of salt; especially given our sodiumpacked traditional Middle Eastern cuisines. The staff at the BSH has recently organised the Kingdom’s first Annual Salt and Health Awareness Day during the Salt Awarness Week. BSH hope to continue their educational campaign with the goal to increase the global awareness about the issue. “It is a known fact that the sodium in salt is associated with hypertension, strokes, ventricular hypertrophy, kidney stones, osteoporosis, stomach cancer and dementia. Not many people take this seriously enough,” says Dr Jafar. As much as it is a health hazard, cutting out salt cold turkey is just as bad. The consultant explains that we do take in more sodium than we need. But the right amount of sodium helps maintain the right balance of fluids in your body, transmit nerve impulses and even influences the contraction and relaxation of muscles. So, to lead a healthier lifestyle, moderation is key. A daily consumption of two to four grams is recommended for healthy individuals. “Those suffering from any of the following: hypertensive, stroke, liver disease, heart failure or renal failure, require much lower levels,” says the doctor. If you want to help keep your sodium consumption in check; try to avoid processed and prepared foods and opt for home cooked meals. Call 17 812-000.
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