We already knew that consuming a diet too rich in salt was bad for your health. Although, until now, almost everyone believed that the risks involved only affect the heart and the circulatory system. But, new research conducted by the Weill Cornell Institute of Medicine in New York, suggests that the brain is also one of the organs most affected
Already in 2011, a study conducted by the Baycrest Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied and Evaluative Research, in Toronto, revealed that the cause of too much deterioration of the cognitive function of the person. But it was believed that it was a side effect caused by the cardiovascular problems caused by this diet, which would cause less blood to reach the brain. But, the new study has shown that this is not the cause.
Researchers in New York subjected to a group of mice to a diet that contains foods that are between 4 and 8% salt, a much higher than they normally consume naturally. And the result was that there began to be a progressive loss of cognitive abilities. But, what was it due to?
The study found that the excess blood produced an immune system response, causing the production of high levels of an inflammatory substance called interleukin-17 (IL-17), because of the decreased blood risk in the regions of the cerebral cortex linked with such functions as memory or learning.
Most of the mice regained their normal abilities after leaving the diet, but those who stayed with it for three months or more ended up developing a form of dementia.
