Campaign will target 'silent killer' salt on Kidney Day

With some eight million Thais suffering from kidney disease and at risk of fatal complications, the Public Health Ministry will launch a week-long campaign from Monday at state hospitals nationwide to warn Thais against their addiction to sodium-laced salty food.

Sodium has been called "a silent killer" because prolonged over-consumption can damage the kidneys within a span of 5 to 10 years. Thais on average consume double the recommended intake of a teaspoon (2,000 milligrams) per day.

Deputy permanent secretary for public health Sopon Mekthon, along with the Nephrology Society of Thailand and related agencies, Thursday hosted a press conference for the "March 14 World Kidney Day" campaign, which will culminate in an event at CentralWorld on March 17. The campaign aims to get people to eat 50-percent less salty food and also sodiumlaced products such as seasoning, which often don't not taste salty.

The Nation