Why is too much salt bad for health?

Salt is an essential ingredient of all foods, particularly in hot and humid climates where the sweating is profuse. Salt serves to replenish the minerals lost in sweat.

These days, commercially produced salt is fortiied with micronutrients (e.g. iodine and iron). Thus, salt also serves to provide the body with the essential micronutrients.

But, excess of anything is bad! Too much salt can accelerate hypertension, can precipitate Congestive Heart Failure in those with a weak heart, can accelerate pulmonary edema, and is also detrimental for those having kidney failure.