Scottish biologists find link between salty food and stress levels

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have found that an abundance of salt in the diet can increase the stress hormone in mice by 75%. The results of the work of Scottish scientists are published in the journal Cardiovascular Research, reports on Tuesday, November 17, Gazeta.ru.

Biologists conducted an experiment on mice. They fed the rodents a high-salt diet and monitored their hormonal changes. The researchers found that in mice leading a calm lifestyle, the stress hormone increased dramatically from such a diet. And under real stress, it in rodents fed on salty foods increased twice as much as in mice that had a normal balanced diet. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh also found that salt intake increased the activity of genes that are responsible for the production of proteins in the brain that control the response to stress.

The recommended salt intake for an adult is less than 6 grams per day. But most people consume an average of about 9 grams. This can stimulate an increase in blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and vascular dementia.

The authors of the study decided to continue their work and look into whether high salt intake leads to other behavioral changes – anxiety and aggression.