Can the Body Survive Without Salt? An Expert's Explanation

Salt often receives a bad reputation because excessive consumption can increase the risk of hypertension. However, that does not mean the human body can be entirely free of salt intake. Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the University of Indonesia, Agustino Zulys, explained that salt is a very important substance for the body. In fact, humans require salt every day to support various vital functions.

Through a post on his personal Instagram account, Prof. Zulys answered a question regarding the possibility of a person dying if they do not consume salt at all. According to Prof. Zulys, the human body contains about 100 to 250 grams of salt which plays a role in various biological processes. “A human can die if they do not eat salt. How can that be? Every day humans need salt. Even inside our bodies there are 100 to 250 grams of salt,” he said in the post.

He explained that one of the main functions of salt is to help the nervous system work. Salt contains sodium which acts as an important ion in the transmission of signals between nerve cells. Without adequate sodium levels, the communication process within the brain cannot take place normally, thus disrupting various bodily functions. Not only the brain, salt also plays a role in maintaining a normal heart rhythm. Prof. Zulys explained that heart cells work through an ion exchange mechanism, including sodium and potassium. This system allows the heart to beat regularly.

If the body experiences a salt deficiency, the ion balance can be disrupted, affecting the work of the heart and nervous system. “A lack of salt also causes danger, causing the work of the heart and our nerves to become abnormal,” he explained. Although important, salt consumption must still be monitored. Prof. Zulys reminded that excess salt can also have a negative impact on health. Excessively high salt intake is known to increase blood pressure and trigger hypertension. Therefore, the public is advised to consume salt in sufficient quantities, neither excessive nor too little.

“Excess salt is not good either; it can cause hypertension. But a lack of salt also causes danger,” he said. Therefore, maintaining a balance of salt intake is key to supporting the vital organs of the body to function properly. Prof. Zulys’s explanation shows that salt is not just a food flavouring. The sodium content within it has an important role in maintaining nerve, brain, and heart function. Because of this, avoiding salt completely is not a recommended option. Instead, salt consumption needs to be adjusted to the body’s needs so that its benefits can be obtained without increasing the risk of health problems.