Approximately 85% of people in the Netherlands consume too much salt, often unknowingly. Everyday supermarket staples like meat products, ready-to-eat meat substitutes, cheese, sauces, seasonings, and processed meats are major contributors to this excess. Cutting back on these can yield quick results.
Common Salty Foods Still Consumed Daily
Most recognize that excess salt harms kidneys, yet many ingest it without awareness. Recent market research (MWM2, 2020) reveals that 35% of respondents want to reduce intake, while 38% struggle to do so. Gaining insight into personal salt consumption, identifying high-salt products, and discovering flavorful low-salt alternatives is key. Items like cheese and meat products are often overlooked as salt sources, but studies confirm cheeses, processed meats, soups, and sauces drive excessive intake in the Netherlands. Reducing them delivers fast benefits.
Excess Salt Leads to Kidney Damage
High salt levels can damage kidneys, contributing to cardiovascular deaths and kidney failure in the Netherlands. Over 2 million Dutch individuals already have chronic kidney disease, a number projected to rise with an aging population and risks like diabetes and heart disease. Kidney disease profoundly impacts quality of life.
Key Facts and Figures on Salt
Source: Nierstichting.nl
