Question

popcorn sold at most movie theatres is very salty, causing people to become thirsty and buy soft drinks. Describe in specific terms why the salty popcorn causes this thirst. You should mention changes in specific body cells in your answer.

Answer 1

Adding large amounts of salt into your body causes your cells to become hypoglycemic (net movement into the cell outweighs net movement out) and causes the cells to boost. Via negative feedback loops, your body feels thirsty to dilute the salt in your cells to return them back to normal concentrations.