Does Sodium Make You More Aggressive?

Sodium is an essential dietary mineral that acts as an electrically charged particle, or electrolyte, in your body. Its primary function is to aid in balancing cellular fluids, along with potassium, to regulate blood volume and pressure. Excessive intake of sodium is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Deficient levels of sodium result in an electrolyte imbalance causing dehydration, muscle spasms and fatigue. Sodium intake itself is not directly related to aggression, but excess intake or deficiency that causes health complications could increase the risk of aggressiveness as a side effect.

The Basics

Aggression is at the extreme end of the behavior spectrum in that it typically follows intense anger, but in the form of violent displays. It can be expressed in verbal or physical ways to other people, inanimate objects or oneself. Milder forms of aggression might appear as irritability, impulsivity or blatant defiance toward conformity. Causes of aggression can stem from various factors, including neurological injury or extreme nutritional deficiencies. Aggression associated with hypertension, or high blood pressure, can generally subside with medical intervention to manage the condition, as well as dietary changes.

High Sodium Intake

The daily adequate intake of sodium in your diet is 1,500 milligrams and should not exceed 2,300 milligrams due to the physical health risk. However, the average American exceeds the recommended daily intake, averaging about 3,400 milligrams per day, notes MayoClinic.com. Chronic high consumption of sodium increases your risk of symptoms associated with high blood pressure, including extreme irritability, and for some, this can result in aggressive behavior, dizziness and confusion.

Sodium Deficiency

Exceedingly low intake of sodium can also have an impact on your health and behavior. Deficiency is most commonly associated with dehydration, particularly in endurance athletes or people taking diuretic medications that cause excess fluid loss. Hyponatremia, or extremely low sodium levels, can be acute or chronic. Complications of chronic hyponatremia includes fatigue, muscle paralysis and in worse cases, seizures, coma or brain damage. Sodium deficiency is not connected to aggressive behavior, but could cause moodiness and irritability.

Recommendations

Sodium itself does not cause you to become aggressive. Nutrient deficiencies as a whole, which impact your physical health can, however, take a toll on your emotional well-being. A well-balanced diet inclusive of the lower recommended intake of sodium can help prevent high blood pressure and related cardiovascular diseases that might cause neurological, arterial or cardiac impairment. If you experience bouts of aggression without known cause, consult your physician for testing, diagnosis and treatment.