Most of us tend to associate feelings of anxiety with high-stakes situations, like a job interview or stage performance—certainly not salt deficiency. But new research published in the journal Molecular Neurobiology suggests a surprising connection between low sodium and anxiety that’s starting to get attention.
In the study, researchers restricted sodium intake in mice over time and observed measurable changes in their brain chemistry and behavior. The animals displayed more signs of anxiety and showed disruptions in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are key to regulating mood. The study also found reduced activity in a brain signaling pathway called ERK, which is involved in emotional processing in the amygdala (the brain’s emotional center).
The research opens up new questions: Could sodium imbalances affect mental health in humans, too? And what role does salt actually play in how we feel, think, and function?
Here’s what to know about sodium, anxiety, and why your mental health might have more to do with your mineral balance than you ever realized.
- ABOUT OUR EXPERTS: Aline K. Szenczy, M.A., is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University. Jenna Volpe, R.D.N., L.D., C.L.T., is a functional dietitian. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., is a psychologist and co-founder of Phoenix Health.
Sodium’s Role in the Body and Brain
Sodium plays a much bigger role in the body than just supporting hydration—it helps keep things running smoothly, like keeping your blood pressure in check, your fluid levels balanced, and your cells working the way they should, according to Aline K. Szenczy, M.A., a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University. It also supports muscle contractions and nerve signals, including those that keep your heart beating and your brain firing.
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“When sodium levels drop too low—a condition called hyponatremia—those signals can start to misfire, potentially leading to symptoms like confusion, fatigue, and in some cases, anxiety,” explains functional dietitian Jenna Volpe, R.D.N., L.D., C.L.T. That’s why maintaining healthy sodium levels is critical—not just for physical health, but for mental clarity and mood stability, too.
While the study focused on mice, not humans, the findings have sparked curiosity among experts—especially for what they might suggest about sodium’s effect on the brain. “It’s a valuable starting point, but not something that would change clinical practice just yet,” says Szenczy, noting the need for more human studies.
What’s most interesting, Szenczy says, is how this research reinforces the growing understanding that our brain function and electrolyte balance are more connected than we once thought. In short, even something as basic as sodium may influence how we process emotions and respond to stress.
It’s still early days, but studies like this are helping researchers explore how physical imbalances could show up in emotional ways—especially when traditional treatments don’t seem to be working.
Could Low Sodium Be a Hidden Contributor to Anxiety?
While it’s not often the first thing we think about, low sodium levels may be a lesser-known factor behind symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, or fatigue—especially in people with other health or lifestyle stressors at play. Because electrolyte imbalances can mimic or overlap with mental health symptoms, they sometimes go unnoticed.
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“Sodium helps your brain cells communicate and keeps your body in balance,” Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., psychologist and co-founder of Phoenix Health explains. “When levels drop too low, those systems start to struggle—and that can affect your mood.”
This is especially relevant in certain situations, like pregnancy, postpartum, illness, or intense dieting, where hydration and electrolyte needs may fluctuate more than usual. “In my work with new and expecting moms, I’ve seen women become severely dehydrated from morning sickness or just forgetting to drink enough water during the newborn stage,” Guarnotta adds. “In some cases, anxiety symptoms improved after they were rehydrated and supported nutritionally.”
So, what should you look for? Early signs of sodium imbalance or dehydration can include confusion, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, headaches, or muscle cramps. These symptoms are easy to attribute to stress or lack of sleep—but if they persist, it’s worth checking in with your doctor and considering a basic blood panel to rule out underlying causes.
Who’s Most at Risk for Sodium Imbalance?
While excess sodium gets most of the attention, too little can also cause problems—especially for people whose diets or habits unintentionally deplete their levels. Here are some groups more likely to be affected.
People on Low- or No-Sodium Diets
Whether it’s following doctor’s orders or simply aiming to eat healthier, some people cut back on salt and processed foods to the point where they may not get enough sodium. “I’ve seen this happen with clients who take low-salt recommendations very literally,” says Volpe. “If you’re cooking everything at home, avoiding packaged foods, and skipping the salt shaker, it’s possible to fall short—especially if you’re also drinking a lot of water.” This well-meaning effort to eat clean can unintentionally lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Athletes and Heavy Water-Drinkers
Sweating through intense workouts or drinking lots of water without replacing lost electrolytes can lower sodium levels—sometimes dramatically. This increases the risk of hyponatremia, a condition where sodium becomes too diluted in the body. If you’re hydrating heavily and feeling off, it may be worth evaluating your electrolyte balance.
Read More: Signs Your Electrolytes Are Off Kilter—And What To Do About It
Supplementing with Electrolytes
In some cases, supplementing with electrolytes that contain sodium may be helpful—especially for people who are sweating a lot, drinking large amounts of water, or following a low-sodium diet. Athletes, postpartum moms, and those with certain health conditions may need a little extra support to maintain proper balance, according to Volpe.
That said, if you’re really feeling off, it’s important to check in with a health provider before drastically altering your sodium intake. “Too much salt is just as harmful as too little,” warns Guarnotta. A quick conversation and some routine lab work can help you decide whether supplementation makes sense for you.
Electrolyte powders, tablets, and ready-to-drink options can be a convenient way to fill in the gaps—especially during periods of heavy sweating or high activity—once you have a better sense of your personal sodium needs.