Newly Discovered Brain Circuit Controls An Aversion to Salty Tastes

Sodium in the form of table salt helps make French fries a tasty snack and bacon a delicious indulgence, but it is also a vital nutrient for the proper functioning of our bodies, playing a role in the movement of your muscles, the signaling of your neurons, and many other important processes. Having the right amount of sodium in your body is so crucial, in fact, that parts of your brain work hard to make sure you're getting the salt that you need. If you've ever been hit by a sudden craving for potato chips, that may have been your brain at work. On the other hand, if you're thirsty, salted snacks might sound like the last thing you to eat. Now, new research from Caltech scientists is showing us more about how the brain regulates when the flavor of salt is yuck or yum. "Low sodium concentration is palatable, while higher concentrations-for example, ocean water-taste disgusting," says Yuki Oka , Professor of Biology and Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator. "But when you're really in need of salt, you don't mind the bad taste.