Could reducing your salt intake help with depression? A new study on mice suggests that high-salt diets may trigger depression by disrupting the immune system. Researchers discovered that a high-salt diet increased the production of a specific inflammatory chemical in mice, which is linked to depressive symptoms.

During the experiment, mice on a high-salt diet displayed depressive behaviors similar to those observed in standard depression models.  When researchers reduced the immune cells responsible for producing this chemical, the mice’s depressive behaviors decreased. This points to a strong connection between salt intake, immune response, and mood.

While these results are promising, they are preliminary and based on animal studies. Further research is needed to determine whether the same effects occur in humans. This study highlights the complex role diet might play in mental health and opens the door to exploring how reducing salt could potentially improve well-being.

SOURCE:

Medical News Today, March 31, 2025