Really

When you feel more mentally alert after consuming sea salt, it is likely due to the critical role sodium plays in proper nerve function, brain hydration, and mood regulation. Sea salt is rich in sodium and other essential electrolytes that help your brain and body communicate effectively. [1, 2, 3, 4]  

Key mechanisms behind the feeling • Facilitates nerve communication. Your neurons (brain cells) and nervous system use electrical signals to communicate. This process, called an action potential, relies on the movement of sodium ions across nerve cell membranes. If your sodium levels are low, nerve signal transmission can be impaired, leading to symptoms like brain fog, confusion, and fatigue. Restoring sodium levels with sea salt can help nerve cells fire signals properly, sharpening your thinking. 

• Regulates fluid balance. The brain is composed of about 73% water and is highly sensitive to changes in fluid levels. Sodium is essential for maintaining the correct balance of fluids inside and outside of your cells. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, focus, and reaction time. Replenishing electrolytes with sea salt can improve hydration at a cellular level, clearing mental haze. 

• Boosts pleasure and motivation. Consuming salt has been shown to trigger the release of dopamine in the brain's pleasure centers. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that influences mood and motivation. This is why salty foods can be so addictive. A low-salt diet has also been linked to behaviors similar to drug withdrawal in animals, suggesting a biological craving mechanism. 

• Reduces fatigue. Sea salt contains trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, which also serve as electrolytes. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production and nerve function. Low magnesium levels are linked to mental sluggishness. 

• Influences stress response. A balanced intake of sodium may help regulate the body's stress response. In preclinical animal studies, a high-salt diet was found to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's primary stress system. However, other studies have found that salt deficiency can also increase anxiety. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16]  

Important considerations and risks While the stimulating effect of sea salt is real, it's critical to remember that the source is still primarily sodium chloride. 

• Moderation is key: Like regular table salt, excessive sea salt intake can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems. The American Heart Association and WHO recommend limiting sodium intake. 

• Sea salt vs. table salt: Nutritionally, sea salt and table salt are not significantly different in their sodium content by weight. Any perceived health benefits from the trace minerals in sea salt are minimal. 

• Iodine deficiency: Most sea salt does not contain added iodine, an essential mineral for thyroid health that is added to table salt. 

• Environmental contaminants: Due to ocean pollution, some sea salts may contain trace amounts of microplastics. [17, 18, 19, 20, 21]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://myneurobalance.com/surprising-impact-of-salt-on-our-brain/

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/DC91rJvx3Ho/

[3] https://draxe.com/nutrition/celtic-sea-salt/

[4] https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/why-your-brain-needs-electrolytes

[5] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090310152329.htm

[6] https://topchefmeals.com/content/why-are-we-addicted-salt

[7] https://www.instagram.com/p/DC91rJvx3Ho/

[8] https://neuroskoki.pl/en/salt-how-it-affects-the-brain-and-why-we-need-it/

[9] https://academy.neolea.com/latest-news/the-benefits-of-sea-salt

[10] http://www.jmaherchiropractic.com/recipes/make-your-own-electrolyte-drink

[11] https://fixel.ufhealth.org/2025/05/20/why-sodium-matters-for-brain-health/

[12] https://www.trinovamedical.com/feeling-foggy

[13] https://cymbiotika.com/blogs/health-hub/do-electrolytes-help-with-brain-fog-understanding-the-connection

[14] https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/structured-content/hyponatremia-low-blood-sodium-2480972

[15] https://www.lifeextension.com/news/nutrition/salty-food-stress

[16] https://www.hotzehwc.com/why-do-you-crave-salt-when-you-have-adrenal-fatigue/

[17] https://www.cdc.gov/salt/about/index.html

[18] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sodium-reduction

[19] https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/sea-salt-healthier-regular-salt-ncna973056

[20] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/sea-salt/faq-20058512

[21] https://www.ussweeteners.com/is-sea-salt-good-for-you-health-benefits-and-risks/

Henry McClure  
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