Salt is commonly used to flavor food and preserve it, but consuming too much salt can have a negative impact on the brain.

Excessive salt consumption is linked to a variety of health problems including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. However, it can also impact the brain in surprising ways.

Salt and Cognition

Research has shown that excessive salt intake can impair cognitive function in both animals and humans. One study found that rats fed a high-salt diet had impaired performance on cognitive tests, including recognition memory and spatial learning.

Similarly, a study of humans found that those who consumed a high-salt diet performed worse on cognitive tests than those who consumed a low-salt diet. The specific mechanisms behind this relationship are not yet fully understood, but it is thought that high salt intake may interfere with the ability of neurons to communicate with one another.

Salt and Mood

In addition to impacting cognition, excessive salt consumption has also been linked to changes in mood.

One study found that adults who consumed a high-salt diet experienced more negative emotions, such as sadness and disgust, compared to those on a low-salt diet. The researchers suggest that this may be because high salt intake can increase inflammation in the brain, which can in turn impact mood.

Salt and Stroke

Excessive salt intake is a risk factor for stroke, a serious condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Salt can increase blood pressure, which can strain the blood vessels in the brain and increase the risk of clots.

In addition, high salt intake can lead to arterial stiffness, which can also increase the risk of stroke. One study found that reducing salt intake by just 3 grams per day could lower the risk of stroke by 23%.

Salt and Aging

As we age, our brains undergo natural changes that can impact cognition and memory. Excessive salt intake can exacerbate these changes and may accelerate the aging process.

One study found that older adults who consumed a high-salt diet had more brain atrophy than those who consumed a low-salt diet. The researchers suggest that this may be due to the impact of high salt intake on blood vessels in the brain.

Salt and Depression

Some studies suggest that excessive salt intake may increase the risk of depression. One study found that individuals who consumed a high-salt diet had an increased risk of experiencing depression compared to those who consumed a low-salt diet.

Researchers suspect that this relationship may be due to the impact of high salt intake on inflammation in the brain.

Salt and Dementia

High salt intake may also increase the risk of dementia, a condition that affects memory and other cognitive functions.

One study found that the risk of dementia was 37% higher in individuals with the highest salt intake compared to those with the lowest salt intake. The researchers suggest that this may be due to the impact of high salt intake on blood pressure and the brain.

Salt and Seizures

Some studies suggest that excessive salt intake may increase the risk of seizures in individuals with epilepsy.

One study of children with epilepsy found that those who consumed a high-salt diet were more likely to experience seizures than those on a low-salt diet. The researchers suggest that this may be due to the impact of high salt intake on neurons in the brain.

Salt and Brain Development

High salt intake during periods of brain development, such as pregnancy and early childhood, may have lasting impacts on cognitive function and behavior.

One study found that children whose mothers consumed a high-salt diet during pregnancy had a lower IQ than those whose mothers consumed a low-salt diet. Similarly, a study of young children found that those who consumed a high-salt diet had a higher risk of behavioral problems, including hyperactivity and aggression.

Conclusion

Excessive salt consumption can have a negative impact on the brain, from impairing cognition and mood to increasing the risk of stroke, aging, depression, dementia, seizures, and behavioral problems in children.

Reducing salt intake can help mitigate these risks and promote healthier brain function.