Tag: Salt and hydration

According to the CDC, over 70% of the sodium Americans consume comes from packaged and restaurant foods, far exceeding daily recommendations. This has led to misconceptions about salt's role in hydration, with many wondering if adding more salt to their water could be beneficial. The short answer is no, salt does not hydrate you more than water for the average person and can be dangerous in excess.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a diet high in sodium can cause you to retain fluid, leading to bloating and increased thirst. This biological fact directly relates to the common experience of a dry sensation in the mouth, leading many to question: does salt dehydrate your mouth? The answer involves both a localized osmotic effect and a systemic fluid balance response.

According to a 2005 study on Boston Marathon finishers, 13% were found to have hyponatremia, a condition caused by low blood sodium due to overconsumption of water during exercise. This reveals a surprising truth: you can drink water and still not be hydrated, particularly if your body's electrolyte balance is disrupted.