Excess salt in the diet negatively alters brain development

Watching what you eat is a very important issue for any home. Paying attention to the products that are eaten and the quantities used can mean the difference between good health or the appearance of problems. An example is the Salt, an ingredient used in numerous dishes but whose abuse can lead to numerous heart problems.

Along with this kind of problems, a study conducted by the Cornell University School of Medicine, located in New York, highlights that the abuse of Salt It alters the development of the brain in a negative way. A wake-up call to parents to watch their children's menus and ensure proper growth in this regard.


Cell alteration

The study followed closely from a group of rats who were given a diet that contained between 8 and 16 times more salt than usual levels. An amount that would be equivalent to 20-30 grams in the case of humans, which is fivefold the measure recommended by cardiologists but can be easily achieved if you are not careful with the kitchen.

After months of this diet, blood vessels of the rodents showed weakening. That meant that the brain watering of these animals was affected and therefore the oxygenation of this organ was reduced, which involved a cellular alteration in the neurons and a poor development of the brain. In the case of children, in the long run it would be a lesser activity at the intellectual level.


Of course, the alteration of the blood vessels was also related to heart problems and a high possibility of heart attack. The experts indicated that if this diet is maintained for a prolonged period of time, the risk of dementia increases in the future. Therefore, parents are reminded of the need to monitor the meals that prepare their children.

Dangers of excess salt

Along with the results of this study, many others have shown the danger of salt abuse. In fact, the Plan Take Care More highlights the risks that this excess implies for the human being:

- It hinders the function of the kidneys. The filtering function in the kidneys is impaired by excess salt, potentiating high blood pressure in a vicious circle. In addition, the abuse of this ingredient is an important factor that predisposes the formation of kidney stones.


- Decrease the amount of calcium. Salt intake is the most important factor for the elimination of sodium in urine, the more it is eliminated, the more calcium is expelled, which weakens bones and leads to osteoporosis.

- Fluid retention. The excess of salt increases the liquids that the body retains, worsening the functioning of the kidneys, heart and liver and also generates edema and swelling of the legs and ankles.

- It hinders the function of the respiratory system. Excess salt worsens asthma symptoms. In addition, it has been shown that a reduction in the intake of this ingredient causes the airways to decrease their resistance to the passage of air and that the reduction in the use of medicines for this disease is also allowed.

Damián Montero

Video: How the food you eat affects your brain - Mia Nacamulli


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