6 replies to this topic

[iseethelight]

When I’m feeling very depressed, putting 1/18 tsp of salt in my mouth then swallowing it ince it’s melted lifts my mood almost instantly. The change in mood lasts about an hour. what does this say about my condition?

[n95]

Perhaps...

https://www.scienced...10405175012.htm

[Jiminy Glick]

Salt is very important in many brain functions. 

[jack black]

i don't know the answer to the OP's question, but do know low salt diet is associated with greater mortality.

[Kinesis]

Depends ... it could be that you’re just not getting enough sodium in your diet. It’s unusual, but not unconceivable. With all the anti-salt publicity it’s possible to forget that sodium is an essential mineral. Sure, get too much and it’s bad for you ... but get too little and that’s no good either.

Personally I look at sodium not in a vacuum but in relation to potassium. An equimolar ratio is ideal. Given the atomic masses of sodium and potassium, that works out to about a 23:39 ratio by weight ... which turns out to be roughly in line with recommended allowances.

[John_Woo]

The body regulate the sodium level to a precise range. Some diseases can lower your sodium level, causing Hyponatremia. Taking a hit of salt could then bring your sodium level to normal. I suggest you see a doctor.

[Dichotohmy]

Look into aldosterone and vasopressin. Kinesis is very right that potassium and sodium balance is important. The thing with that is that its easy to get potassium from a reasonable diet, as potassium is in almost everything. Sodium, on the other hand, might be lacking if you avoid processed foods in the name of eating clean as a lifestyle solution to your problems.

 

I think if you had hormonal issues causing sodium depletion, you would definitely know it as you would have all kinds of dysautonomia. I also wouldn't expect much from a doctor here, as I personally have long had borderline hyponatremia (~130 mmol/L), and I have heard from more than one physician, when I ask about it, that doctors don't really start taking hyponatremia seriously until it gets really bad (like at or below 120 mmol/L).