Excessive salt intake negatively affects the immune system, experts from the VIB-UGent inflammation research center and Hasselt University in Belgium, as well as the Max Delbrück Center in Germany, said on February 12, according to the journal Cell Metabolism.
In their study, they looked at regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are part of the immune system. These organs maintain a balance between the normal functioning of the body and its excessive inflammation. If there are changes in the work of these cells, a person can develop autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
Scientists have discovered that sodium disrupts the T cell by altering its metabolism by blocking mitochondrial energy production. As a result, this leads to autoimmune changes. Even short-term impairment of mitochondrial function negatively affects T cell performance.
Scientists believe that T cells also influence the development of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, they intend to study the effect of sodium on cell function in the future.
Previously, scientists found that people who consume salt in large amounts increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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