Chloride helps the body regulate fluids, which is why when you have too much salt, your water levels can get whacky.
Source: Medline Plus
Too much salt can trigger the kidneys into keeping more water in the body, which could eventually lead to kidney failure over time.
Sources: Blood Pressure UK, CDC
People who eat too much salt also tend to get stomach ulcers, though scientists aren't sure how this could happen.
Source: Gut
When more fluid courses through your veins, it can cause them to stiffen over time, leading to high blood pressure.
Sources: CDC, Harvard, Cleveland Clinic
Having high blood pressure can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke — two of the leading causes of death in the US.
Sources: CDC, Tech Insider, Harvard