Excess salt in the diet could be the basis of cognitive decline specific to Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most well-known forms of dementia. A new study shows that excess salt can affect blood circulation to the brain, but also neuronal activity, phenomena that lead to memory degradation.
In research recently published in the journal Cell Reportsscientists explain how the brain is destroyed by excessive salt consumption.
Using special neuroimaging techniques to examine the hypothalamus, the integrative area important for endocrine, metabolic, vegetative and behavioral function, they discovered that participants who had a high-salt diet exhibited an unusual phenomenon at the brain level.
When we eat very salty food, the brain triggers a self-defense mechanism to keep the sodium level in the blood under control. Thus, the production of vasopressin is stimulated, an antidiuretic hormone that plays a very important role in this regard, explains Dr. Javier Stern, professor of neuroscience at the University of Georgia.
Contrary to previous studies that indicated a possible link between neuronal activity and increased blood pressure, the researchers found that the activation of neurotransmitters that led to increased vasopressin production triggered a decrease in blood flow by vasoconstricting (narrowing) the arteries in the brain .
The results took us by surprise because we noticed that blood vessels narrow in response to excessive salt consumption. This phenomenon is often observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or after a myocardial infarction or stroke. It’s like constant hypoxia that gradually destroys brain tissue, the doctor added.
The study raises important questions about the impact of high blood pressure on brain health, especially since more than half of cases of hypertension are associated with excess salt in the diet.
Salt is found naturally in various products that are part of our daily diet. However, salt is used intentionally to improve taste and extend shelf life.
Among the foods with the highest salt content are sausages, pickles, canned goods, olives, smoked meat, marinated fish, cereals, bread, ketchup, soy sauce, mayonnaise, various vegetable seasoning mixes, chips, peanuts, popcorn , envelope soups and various cheeses.
The daily recommended amount of salt is approximately 5 grams, i.e. one teaspoon. For people aged over 50 or for those who already suffer from high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes or osteoporosis, salt intake should be limited to only 1.5 – 2 grams/day.
2023-06-29 07:47:34
#spice #chokes #brain #put #food #day #dementia
