Sodium

Overview

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle function. In the nervous system, sodium ions are essential for generating action potentials, the electrical signals that allow neurons to communicate. Sodium works in balance with potassium to regulate cellular function, with the ratio between these two electrolytes being important for blood pressure regulation and neuronal excitability. While sodium is essential, the BRAIN Diet emphasizes whole foods and minimal processing, which naturally helps control sodium intake by reducing reliance on heavily processed foods.

Recipes

no recipes found

Foods

3 foods containing this substance

Capers

Highest quercetin content among common foods

Miso

Fermented soybean paste with probiotics and umami flavor

Pickles

Fermented vegetables providing GABA-producing bacteria

Biological Mechanisms and Implications

Biological Target	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Neurochemical Balance	ADHD, Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety & GAD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression & MDD	Supports fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle function; balance with potassium is relevant for blood pressure and neuronal excitability

References

• Sodium supports fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle function; balance with potassium is relevant for blood pressure and neuronal excitability
• The BRAIN Diet emphasizes whole foods and minimal processing, which naturally helps control sodium intake by reducing reliance on heavily processed foods