High salt intake increases stress levels: Study

SAN FRANCISCO: A diet containing lots of salt can contribute to increased levels of stress, a new study has revealed. According to the study published in Cardiovascular Research, scientists found in studies that a high-salt diet increased the levels of a stress hormone by 75 per cent. "We are what we eat and understanding how high-salt food changes our mental health is an important step to improving well-being," said Matthew Bailey, Professor of Renal Physiology at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cardiovascular Science.

"We know that eating too much salt damages our heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. The study now tells us that high salt in our food also changes the way our brain handles stress," he added.

The recommended daily salt intake for adults is less than six grams, but most people eat about nine grams, according to the study.

This can lead to higher blood pressure, which increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia.

Despite the well-established effects on the heart and circulatory system, little was known about how a high-salt diet affects a person's behaviour, the study added. (IANS)

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