Salt does not directly thin your blood. Instead, excess salt intake can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases the volume of blood and potentially raises blood pressure.
However, this doesn't mean salt "thins" your blood; it simply increases the total volume. The increased blood volume can strain your circulatory system, leading to higher blood pressure and potentially other health complications.
Here's a breakdown:
- Salt and Fluid Retention: When you consume too much salt, your body tries to maintain a balance by holding onto more water. This leads to increased blood volume.
- Increased Blood Volume and Blood Pressure: The extra fluid in your blood puts more pressure on your arteries, leading to higher blood pressure.
- Salt Sensitivity: Some individuals are more sensitive to salt than others, meaning their blood pressure rises more significantly after consuming salty foods.
While salt doesn't thin your blood, it can indirectly affect its volume and pressure, leading to potential health risks.