Most people in the United States consume too much salt. The recommended salt intake for adults is less than six grams a day, but most people regularly eat nine. This can contribute to higher blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and vascular dementia.
Previous research has shown the effects of salt on the heart and circulatory system. However, little is known about its impact on a person’s behavior. This is what led researchers from the University of Edinburgh to look into more effects of salt intake.
For the study, researchers used mice who ordinarily have a low-salt diet and gave them high-salt food to consume. This was to reflect the typical high-salt diet of humans. Not only did resting stress hormone levels increase, but the mice’s hormone response to environmental stress was also double that of normal mice.
The salt consumed increases the activity of genes that produce the proteins in the brain, which control how the body responds to stress.
“We are what we eat, and understanding how high-salt food changes our mental health is important to improving well-being. We know that eating too much salt damages our heart, blood vessels and kidneys. This study now tells us that high salt in our food also changes the way our brain handles stress,” said Renal Physiology Professor Matthew Bailey.
Although these findings are just the beginning, further studies are already underway to understand if a high-salt intake could lead to behavioral changes such as anxiety and aggression.
Salt Intake And Brain Function
As this study suggests, salt can affect hormones, leading to stress in our daily lives. This added stress can take a toll on the brain, affecting concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function.
The Smart Pill can help counteract these effects through nine ingredients that help support, nourish, and maximize brain health and cognitive function. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps boost circulation, fight free radicals, and help to promote clear thinking.