Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS)

The Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS) is your body’s pressure and fluid control system.

When blood pressure or blood volume drops, the kidneys release renin. This triggers a cascade that produces angiotensin II (tightens blood vessels) and aldosterone (tells the kidneys to retain sodium and water).

The end result is, pressure goes up and circulation is restored.

When you eat adequate or higher salt and your kidneys are healthy, your blood volume is sufficient and RAAS is suppressed (it quiets down).

Excess sodium is excreted in urine and your body balances. When you restrict salt too much:

• RAAS becomes overactive
• Aldosterone rises
• The body holds onto sodium
• Cravings increase
• Stress hormones go up

Salt didn’t wake up one day and start causing hypertension. The damage came from;

• Sugar
• Processed foods
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic dysfunction

Salt gets blamed because the system is already failing.

UNLEARN.