Can Drinking Electrolytes Help With Low Sodium?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, hyponatremia is a condition where the sodium level in your blood is abnormally low, often caused by excessive water intake. So, can drinking electrolytes help with low sodium, and what are the safest and most effective methods for correcting it?

Quick Summary

Electrolyte drinks can help replenish sodium lost through sweat or illness, but their effectiveness for low blood sodium depends on the cause. For exercise-induced hyponatremia, they are beneficial, but chronic or severe cases require professional medical guidance. Appropriate intake of electrolyte-rich foods and balancing fluid intake is key.

Key Points

Cause-Dependent Solution: The effectiveness of electrolyte drinks for low sodium (hyponatremia) depends on the root cause; they are most beneficial for imbalances resulting from exercise, sweating, or illness-induced fluid loss.
Exercise-Related Help: For athletes, sports drinks containing sodium help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, preventing exercise-associated hyponatremia caused by drinking too much plain water.
Balance is Key: To prevent low sodium, it is vital to balance fluid intake with electrolytes, found in drinks and foods like pickles and bone broth, rather than relying on plain water alone during intense activity.
Not for Chronic Conditions: Electrolyte drinks are not a treatment for hyponatremia caused by serious underlying medical conditions like kidney or heart failure, which require professional medical intervention.
Professional Guidance Needed: Severe or chronic hyponatremia must be managed by a doctor, who may use intravenous fluids or other medications, as rapid sodium correction can cause dangerous brain damage.
Consider Sugar Content: Many commercial electrolyte drinks are high in sugar, so individuals with diabetes or those monitoring sugar intake should choose low-sugar alternatives or natural sources.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of electrolyte imbalance, such as fatigue, cramps, or confusion, and seek professional help if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Understanding Low Sodium (Hyponatremia)

Hyponatremia is a medical condition defined as a low sodium concentration in the blood, typically below 135 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Sodium is a crucial electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. When blood sodium is diluted, fluids shift into the cells, causing them to swell. In mild cases, this may cause few or no symptoms, but severe hyponatremia can be life-threatening and may lead to seizures, confusion, or coma.

The causes of low sodium vary significantly, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions. For athletes or individuals who sweat heavily and drink excessive plain water, it can be a simple matter of dilution. However, other causes can be more serious, including kidney failure, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and hormonal issues. Certain medications, particularly diuretics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, can also lead to hyponatremia. Therefore, understanding the root cause is the most critical step toward effective treatment.

Can Electrolyte Drinks Address Low Sodium?

For certain types of low sodium, drinking electrolytes can be an effective part of the solution. This is especially true for cases caused by fluid loss from exercise, vomiting, or diarrhea. The sodium in electrolyte drinks helps to correct the fluid-electrolyte imbalance, aiding in proper rehydration.

Electrolyte beverages work by providing a source of sodium and other minerals to help the body retain fluid more effectively. This contrasts with drinking plain water, which can further dilute sodium levels when consumed in large quantities, especially during endurance exercise. Electrolyte drinks stimulate thirst and help restore the lost minerals, making them beneficial for active individuals or those recovering from a short illness.

Comparing Electrolyte Sources for Low Sodium


Source	Pros	Cons
Commercial Sports Drinks	Convenient, readily available, offer a balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates (for energy). Examples: Gatorade, Powerade.	Often high in added sugar, artificial colors, and flavors. Some brands may be low in sodium despite being marketed for electrolytes.
Electrolyte Powder/Tablets	Allows for customizable concentration, sugar-free options available, highly portable.	Can be expensive; requires mixing with water; may still be high in sodium for daily hydration.
Natural Sources (e.g., coconut water)	Contains natural potassium, some sodium, and other minerals. Can be part of a balanced diet.	Lower sodium content than many sports drinks; not suitable for intense sodium replenishment.
Homemade Rehydration Solution	Cost-effective, customizable ingredients (salt, sugar, water).	Requires preparation; can be difficult to get the right balance of ingredients without guidance.

The Risks and Limitations of Self-Treatment

While drinking electrolytes can be beneficial in certain scenarios, it is not a cure-all for all types of low sodium. Simply consuming electrolyte drinks without understanding the root cause or proper dosage can be ineffective or even dangerous.

Risk of Overcorrection: In severe or chronic cases of hyponatremia, increasing sodium levels too quickly can lead to severe and permanent brain damage, a condition known as osmotic demyelination syndrome. This is why medical supervision is crucial for significant electrolyte imbalances. Intravenous sodium solutions are administered slowly in a hospital setting for this reason.
Masking Underlying Conditions: Electrolyte drinks may temporarily alleviate mild symptoms but fail to address an underlying medical issue like kidney failure or a hormonal disorder. This can delay proper diagnosis and treatment of a more serious health problem.
High Sugar Content: Many commercial electrolyte drinks contain large amounts of sugar. This can be problematic for individuals managing conditions like diabetes, who need to monitor their carbohydrate intake. Lower-sugar alternatives exist but require careful label reading.
Individual Needs Vary: The amount of sodium lost in sweat and the body's overall needs differ greatly among individuals. Heavy sweaters or endurance athletes may need more sodium than someone with a sedentary lifestyle. Personalized advice from a healthcare professional is best.

A Balanced Approach to Hydration

For mild, exercise-induced low sodium, a balanced approach is recommended. This involves not only drinking electrolyte beverages but also consuming electrolyte-rich foods.

Food sources of electrolytes include:

Pickles and pickle juice (high in sodium)
Bone broth (contains sodium and other minerals)
Salty crackers or pretzels
Dairy products like milk and cheese
Leafy greens (rich in potassium and magnesium)
Nuts and seeds

It is important to listen to your body's signals, such as thirst, and not to over-consume plain water during intense activity. The key is balance—replenishing both fluids and the electrolytes that are lost. For mild symptoms like fatigue or cramps after strenuous exercise, an oral rehydration solution might suffice. However, any persistent or severe symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: The Professional Perspective

Ultimately, the question of whether can drinking electrolytes help with low sodium is nuanced and depends entirely on the cause and severity. For healthy individuals experiencing temporary low sodium due to intense exercise or fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea, electrolyte drinks can be an appropriate and effective way to restore balance. They provide a quick and convenient source of sodium and other minerals to support proper hydration and bodily functions.

However, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of this approach. Severe or chronic hyponatremia is a serious medical condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment. Attempting to self-treat a significant electrolyte imbalance without identifying the underlying cause can be dangerous and lead to serious complications. Consulting a healthcare professional is always the safest course of action, particularly for individuals with existing health conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, or those on certain medications. For general advice on managing electrolyte balance, consider a resource like MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low sodium, or hyponatremia, is caused by an imbalance of water and sodium in the body, meaning there is either too much water or not enough sodium. This can result from excessive water intake, intense sweating, vomiting, or underlying medical conditions like kidney or heart failure.

For mild, exercise-induced hyponatremia, sports drinks can be helpful for replenishing lost sodium and fluids. However, many contain high amounts of sugar, and they are not a substitute for medical treatment in severe or chronic cases.

For mild cases or prevention, a balanced diet including sodium-rich foods like pickles, bone broth, and salty foods can help maintain adequate levels. However, this approach is insufficient for severe hyponatremia, which requires medical intervention.

You should see a doctor if you experience persistent or severe symptoms of low sodium, such as confusion, severe fatigue, nausea, headaches, or muscle cramps. These can indicate a serious medical condition requiring professional care.

Yes, excessive consumption of electrolytes, especially sodium, can be harmful. Overconsumption can lead to potential health concerns, such as high blood pressure, and should be avoided, particularly by those with kidney or heart disease.

Better alternatives to high-sugar sports drinks include low-sugar or sugar-free electrolyte powders, electrolyte tablets, or natural sources like homemade rehydration solutions or coconut water. These options allow for better control over sugar intake while replenishing minerals.

An athlete can prevent low sodium by balancing their water intake with electrolytes during and after prolonged exercise, especially in hot conditions. Consuming electrolyte drinks or salty snacks can help maintain a healthy fluid balance.