What Fluid Is Good For Low Sodium? A Comprehensive Guide

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

Hyponatremia, the medical term for low sodium, affects a significant portion of the population, particularly the elderly and athletes. Restoring sodium balance requires careful consideration of fluid intake, as simply drinking plain water can worsen the condition.

Quick Summary

This guide details effective oral fluids for increasing low sodium levels, including electrolyte-rich options and broths, while highlighting the importance of medical supervision to address the underlying cause. It outlines safe practices for managing mild cases and the necessity of clinical intervention for severe hyponatremia.

Key Points

Oral Rehydration: For mild cases, consume electrolyte drinks, bone broth, or tomato juice to increase sodium levels.
Avoid Plain Water: In mild cases, consuming only plain water can worsen low sodium by further diluting electrolytes.
Medical Intervention: Severe or symptomatic hyponatremia requires hospitalization for intravenous saline and expert monitoring.
Underlying Cause: Proper management focuses on treating the root cause, such as kidney disease, heart failure, or certain medications.
Strict Monitoring: The correction of sodium levels must be gradual to prevent dangerous side effects, like osmotic demyelination syndrome.
Know the Symptoms: Be aware of signs like confusion, nausea, or seizures, which indicate a medical emergency.

Understanding Low Sodium (Hyponatremia)

Low blood sodium, or hyponatremia, occurs when the concentration of sodium in blood is abnormally low. Sodium is a crucial electrolyte that helps regulate the water content in and around cells. When sodium levels drop, the body's fluid balance is disrupted, which can lead to swelling in the cells, particularly those in the brain. This condition can result from excessive fluid loss (hypovolemic hyponatremia), high fluid intake relative to sodium (euvolemic hyponatremia), or a combination of increased fluid and sodium with water retention (hypervolemic hyponatremia). The correct fluid choice depends heavily on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition, emphasizing the need for a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional.

Fluid Options for Mild Low Sodium

For mild cases of low sodium, particularly those stemming from overexertion or minor fluid imbalances, several at-home fluid options can help restore electrolyte balance safely.

Sports Drinks: Many sports drinks, such as Gatorade and Powerade, are formulated with sodium, potassium, and carbohydrates to help replenish electrolytes lost during strenuous activity. For those concerned about sugar content, zero-sugar versions are also available.
Bone Broth or Soup: A cup of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth is a simple and effective way to increase sodium intake. These liquids contain high levels of sodium and can be both hydrating and comforting, especially for older adults or those recovering from illness.
Tomato or Vegetable Juice: Standard tomato juice and other vegetable juices are good sources of natural sodium. It's important to choose regular varieties, as low-sodium versions will not provide the necessary electrolyte boost.
Milk: Cow's milk is a natural source of sodium, potassium, and calcium, alongside carbohydrates and protein. This makes it a balanced fluid option for hydration and electrolyte support.
Salted Water: In controlled, moderate quantities, adding a small pinch of salt to a glass of water can provide a direct sodium boost. However, this must be done with caution to avoid consuming too much salt too quickly. Some people prefer using unrefined salts like Himalayan or Celtic sea salt.

Medical Intervention and Management

In more serious or persistent cases of hyponatremia, particularly those with noticeable symptoms like confusion, severe fatigue, or seizures, medical intervention is critical. Hospitalization may be necessary for frequent monitoring and precise fluid administration.

Comparison of Treatment Fluids


Fluid Type	When to Use	Key Consideration	Target Population
Oral Electrolyte Drinks	Mild hyponatremia (e.g., from exercise, illness)	Read labels for sugar and electrolyte content; best for at-home use.	Athletes, people with mild symptoms.
Bone/Vegetable Broth	Mild hyponatremia, or for elderly individuals.	Offers natural sodium and hydration; a gentle option for recovery.	Individuals recovering from illness, elderly.
Isotonic Saline (0.9% NaCl) IV	Hypovolemic hyponatremia (fluid loss exceeding sodium loss).	Restores volume and gradually increases sodium; requires medical supervision.	Hospitalized patients with volume depletion.
Hypertonic Saline (3% NaCl) IV	Severe, symptomatic hyponatremia (<120 mEq/L).	Rapidly increases sodium, but carries a high risk of complications like osmotic demyelination syndrome if corrected too quickly.	Critically ill, symptomatic patients in a monitored setting.
Fluid Restriction	Euvolemic or Hypervolemic hyponatremia.	Reduces total body water relative to sodium; requires strict patient adherence.	Patients with SIADH, heart failure, or cirrhosis.

Other important management strategies include:

Stopping Offending Medications: In some cases, diuretics or other medications can cause low sodium. A doctor may advise discontinuing or adjusting these prescriptions.
Urea Supplements: Oral urea is an effective osmotic agent used in treating SIADH-related hyponatremia by increasing free water excretion.
Vaptans: Vasopressin receptor antagonists, or vaptans, are a class of drugs that help excrete excess water. They are typically reserved for euvolemic or hypervolemic hyponatremia and require careful monitoring.
Addressing Underlying Conditions: Many chronic conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, and liver cirrhosis can cause low sodium. Managing these root causes is essential for long-term correction.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While some mild causes of low sodium can be managed at home with simple dietary adjustments, recognizing the signs of a more serious problem is crucial. Symptoms like persistent headache, confusion, nausea, or seizures warrant immediate medical attention. For any persistent symptoms or for individuals with underlying health issues, consulting a doctor is the only safe course of action. This ensures a correct diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to the specific type of hyponatremia.

Conclusion

For managing low sodium, the most appropriate fluid depends on the individual's overall health, the underlying cause, and the severity of the condition. For mild, self-limiting cases, oral options like sports drinks, broths, and juices can be beneficial. However, moderate to severe hyponatremia requires professional medical evaluation and treatment, which may involve specialized intravenous fluids or medication. It's imperative to avoid self-treating severe symptoms and to consult a healthcare provider for a safe and effective treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs.

For additional information on hydration and electrolyte management, consult reliable medical resources. For more detailed information on hyponatremia, refer to the resource available at MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

For severe symptoms, the fastest way is with intravenous hypertonic saline under medical supervision in a hospital. For mild cases, consuming salty broths or electrolyte drinks can offer a quicker boost than plain water.

Yes, sports drinks are a good option for low sodium, especially if it is caused by exercise or sweating. They contain sodium and other electrolytes to help replenish lost minerals.

Coconut water is primarily high in potassium and is naturally low in sodium unless specifically fortified. While hydrating, it is not a primary fluid for correcting low sodium levels unless a fortified version is used.

You can increase sodium levels at home by consuming fluids like bone broth, vegetable juice, or adding a small, controlled amount of salt to water. Always do this in moderation and for mild cases only.

You should see a doctor if you experience moderate to severe symptoms such as persistent headache, confusion, seizures, or if your condition is not improving with home remedies. Immediate medical attention is crucial for severe symptoms.

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a serious complication that can occur from correcting chronic, severe low sodium levels too quickly. It involves the destruction of nerve sheaths in the brain and can cause permanent neurological damage.

Fluid restriction is a key treatment for certain types of low sodium, such as euvolemic (excess water) or hypervolemic (fluid overload) hyponatremia. It helps the kidneys excrete excess water to balance sodium concentration.