I discuss the role of salt (sodium) in the nervous system and the key role that it plays in mental performance, physical performance and health. I explain how the brain senses salt levels in our body and how that relates to our feelings of thirst. I cover the physiology of the renal system and the hormones that control sodium and water balance in our body. I also explore how salt interacts with stress and our immune systems and its crucial role in neuron function. Additionally, I examine research findings suggesting that some individuals might benefit from increased intake of sodium and other electrolytes (magnesium and potassium) to enhance mental performance, lessen anxiety, and offset dizziness. Yet, other people may need less sodium. I discuss how you can determine your optimal sodium intake and why sodium intake levels need to be uniquely tailored to an individual’s lifestyle. Finally, I explain how salt creates ‘hidden’ sugars in many processed foods and the problems that can create. Throughout the episode, I explain peer-reviewed findings outlining salt’s essential role in overall health and describe general recommendations and tools anyone can use to find their optimal salt balance and thereby enhance their brain and body’s performance. #HubermanLab #Hydration #Salt Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman See Andrew Huberman Live: The Brain Body Contract Tuesday, May 17th: Seattle, WA Wednesday, May 18th: Portland, OR https://hubermanlab.com/tour Our Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/andrewhuberman Supplements from Thorne https://www.thorne.com/u/huberman Social & Website Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Twitter - https://twitter.com/hubermanlab Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hubermanlab Website - https://hubermanlab.com Newsletter - https://hubermanlab.com/neural-network Article Links "The preference for sugar over sweetener depends on a gut sensor cell": https://go.nature.com/33X9zuA "Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Risk of Cardiovascular Events": https://bit.ly/3MOJEGW "Dietary sodium and health: How much is too much for those with orthostatic disorders?": https://bit.ly/3tSP7UO "Increased salt consumption induces body water conservation and decreases fluid intake": https://bit.ly/35PCPVg Book Links "The Salt Fix: Why the Experts Got It All Wrong--and How Eating More Might Save Your Life": https://amzn.to/3CD1KHi Timestamps 00:00:00 Role of Salt 00:02:18 The Brain-Body Contract 00:02:57 Neuropod Cells, Artificial Sweeteners & ‘Hidden’ Cravings 00:10:57 AG1 (Athletic Greens), LMNT, InsideTracker 00:15:06 Salt Regulation 00:17:13 How the Brain Senses Salt 00:24:15 Salt & Thirst 00:29:27 Blood Pressure & Thirst 00:33:47 Kidneys & Urine Regulation 00:39:08 Vasopressin: Roles in Libido & Urination 00:45:46 How Much Salt Do You Need? 00:56:45 Should You Increase Your Salt Intake? 01:02:19 Tools: Determining Your Individual Salt Intake 01:14:02 Iodine, Sea Salt 01:17:13 Salt: Roles in Stress & Anxiety 01:24:20 Other Electrolytes: Magnesium & Potassium 01:27:57 Tools: Effects of Low-carbohydrate Diets & Caffeine 01:32:28 General Recommendations for Salt Intake 01:36:34 Perception of Salt & Sugar Taste, Processed Foods 01:47:13 Role of Sodium in Neuronal Function, Action Potentials 01:53:13 Dehydration 01:55:36 What Salt Intake is Best for You? 02:00:58 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify, Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Patreon, Thorne, Instagram, Twitter, Neural Network Newsletter Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed. Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - https://www.blabacphoto.com