Salt craving: the psychobiology of pathogenic sodium intake

Michael J Morris; Elisa S Na; Alan Kim Johnson

doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.04.008

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Salt craving: the psychobiology of pathogenic sodium intake

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Salt craving: the psychobiology of pathogenic sodium intake

Michael J Morris, Elisa S Na and Alan Kim Johnson

Physiology & behavior, Vol.94(5), pp.709-721

08/06/2008

DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.04.008

PMCID: PMC2491403

PMID: 18514747

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/2491403View

Open Access

Abstract

Ionic sodium, obtained from dietary sources usually in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl, common table salt) is essential to physiological function, and in humans salt is generally regarded as highly palatable. This marriage of pleasant taste and physiological utility might appear fortunate--an appealing taste helps to ensure that such a vital substance is ingested. However, the powerful mechanisms governing sodium retention and sodium balance are unfortunately best adapted for an environment in which few humans still exist. Our physiological and behavioral means for maintaining body sodium and fluid homeostasis evolved in hot climates where sources of dietary sodium were scarce. For many reasons, contemporary diets are high in salt and daily sodium intakes are excessive. High sodium consumption can have pathological consequences. Although there are a number of obstacles to limiting salt ingestion, high sodium intake, like smoking, is a modifiable behavioral risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. This review discusses the psychobiological mechanisms that promote and maintain excessive dietary sodium intake. Of particular importance are experience-dependent processes including the sensitization of the neural systems underlying sodium appetite and the effects of sodium balance on hedonic state and mood. Accumulating evidence suggests that plasticity within the central nervous system as a result of experience with high salt intake, sodium depletion, or a chronic unresolved sodium appetite fosters enduring changes in sodium related appetitive and consummatory behaviors.

Animals

Appetite - drug effects

Appetite Regulation - physiology

Appetitive Behavior - drug effects

Eating - drug effects

Eating - psychology

Feeding Behavior - drug effects

Feeding Behavior - psychology

Humans

Hypothalamus - drug effects

Hypothalamus - physiology

Motivation

Nutritional Requirements

Rats

Reward

Sodium, Dietary - pharmacology

Taste - drug effects

Taste - physiology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Salt craving: the psychobiology of pathogenic sodium intake
Creators: Michael J Morris - Department of Psychology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1407, USA
Elisa S Na
Alan Kim Johnson
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Physiology & behavior, Vol.94(5), pp.709-721
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.04.008
PMID: 18514747
PMCID: PMC2491403
NLM abbreviation: Physiol Behav
ISSN: 0031-9384
eISSN: 1873-507X
Grant note: DK66086 / NIDDK NIH HHS P01 HL014388-310263 / NHLBI NIH HHS R01 DK066086 / NIDDK NIH HHS R01 DK066086-01A2 / NIDDK NIH HHS P01 HL014388 / NHLBI NIH HHS HL14388 / NHLBI NIH HHS R01 HL057472 / NHLBI NIH HHS R01 HL057472-06 / NHLBI NIH HHS HL57472 / NHLBI NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 08/06/2008
Academic Unit: Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience and Pharmacology; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
Record Identifier: 9984213416202771

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