A Low-Sodium Diet May Help Ward Off Dementia

February 9,2018

The FDA-recommended daily intake of sodium is 1500mg, which is about ¾ of a teaspoon. Unfortunately, many Americans are consuming more than twice this amount every day.

In a recent scientific study at Weill Cornell University, medical researchers tested the impact a high-sodium diet has on brain function. In the study, mice were fed a high-salt diet and put through various memory tests. Though these mice varied in age, all showed signs of memory deterioration during the trials. One test measured their ability to navigate a maze and find an escape hole whose location they previously learned. Another tested nest-building skills, comparing the results to previous attempts on a normal diet. In all tests the results were clear, high-sodium diets were indeed affecting not only the formation of memories but overall cognitive ability.

After getting the results, the task became finding the link between diet and the brain. It turns out that the digestive tract has a natural immune response to salt, which both increases the number of TH17 immune cells and boosts levels of the inflammatory chemical IL-17. When it comes to the brain, this chemical directly damages the endothelial cells, which line the intricate network of blood vessels. This chemical reaction also suppresses nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and is used by the hippocampus to form new memories.

Upon returning to a normal diet, the negative effects were reversed and after four weeks brain scans showed healthy blood flow had resumed.

Importance of the Test Results

This breakthrough is important when it comes to neurological disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as the brains of people with these conditions were found to have problems with blood vessels and maintaining normal blood flow.

This gives hope to researchers who are working toward treatment plans, which include both medication and lifestyle change. Currently there are about 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Though the root cause of these conditions is unclear, discovering the link between sodium and healthy brain activity has been an important one.

Whether someone is directly at risk for these types of mental illnesses or not, it is generally recommended to lower daily sodium intake whenever possible. While this may sound simple enough, many are surprised to find how much salt they regularly consume. Even if someone never picks up a salt shaker, he or she may be eating a high-sodium diet. This is because salt is hidden in countless foods, both at home and when we eat out.

Watch for Hidden Sodium in the Foods You Eat

Be on the lookout for hidden sodium while shopping. Fresh and frozen poultry can be injected with a sodium solution, so check the fine print for words like “broth” or “saline.” Canned beans and vegetables are notorious for containing high levels of salt however rinsing these in a colander before cooking can remove up to 40% of the sodium. Also, while cooking try using different herbs and spices instead of salt. When eating out take the time to research the restaurant’s menu before leaving the house to make low-sodium selections. Over time, these simple steps can have a big impact on the amount of salt consumed and may improve your overall health.