A man with an obsession for sea salt died after he consumed too much of the seasoning, an inquest heard.

Peter Maynard developed high levels of sodium in his blood, causing excess fluid in the brain.

Mr Maynard, of Norman Close, Kemsing, had a sodium reading of 191 – a normal level is 140 – and was having seizures when he was admitted to the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough in October.

The 56-year-old was also suffering from pneumonia and had what was described as an extensive medical history including treatment for epilepsy and schizophrenia.

His wife Emma told an inquest at Gravesend’s Old Town Hall she could not explain the reason for his obsession.

“He was told not to take it. I tried hiding the sea salt from him,” she said.

The inquest heard Mr Maynard was constantly seeing his GP, going to hospital or calling for an ambulance. The latter led to him being warned that police would be informed.

He also battled to gain weight, had slurred speech and walked with a shuffle.

“In all the time I had been with Peter, never had I seen him in such a state,” added Mrs Maynard. “He was dying in front of me. I felt like I could do nothing.”

The cause of death was given as excess fluid in the brain as a consequence of severe acute hypernatraemia.

North Kent coroner Roger Hatch concluded that death was due to natural causes.