Are tears saltier when you're dehydrated?
•
4 min read
Tears are primarily composed of water, but they also contain electrolytes like sodium chloride, giving them their characteristic salty taste. When the body becomes dehydrated, it loses more fluid than it takes in, leading to a higher concentration of these salts in bodily fluids, including tears. This process is known as tear hyperosmolarity, and it explains why tears can feel and taste notably saltier when you are dehydrated.