What Foods Help with Hyponatremia? Safely Increasing Sodium Levels

January 5, 2026 •

5 min read

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in older adults, affecting approximately one in five elderly individuals admitted to emergency departments. Knowing what foods help with hyponatremia is a crucial step in management, though medical supervision is always necessary to ensure a safe and effective dietary strategy.

Quick Summary

This guide details effective dietary strategies to manage hyponatremia, focusing on incorporating high-sodium and high-protein foods while controlling fluid intake. Explore meal and snack ideas to help correct low sodium levels safely and under medical guidance.

Key Points

Medical Supervision is Essential: Do not attempt to self-treat hyponatremia with dietary changes without consulting a healthcare professional, as rapid correction can cause brain damage.
Focus on Sodium-Rich Foods: Incorporate cured meats, certain cheeses, canned fish packed in brine, pickles, and olives under medical guidance to increase sodium intake.
Increase Protein Intake: For euvolemic hyponatremia, higher-protein foods like meats, eggs, and cottage cheese can help increase solute load and aid fluid excretion.
Manage Fluid Consumption: Fluid restriction is often a critical part of treatment, especially for euvolemic and hypervolemic types. High-water content foods like many fruits and vegetables should be moderated.
Be Mindful of Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia (EAH): Athletes should balance sodium and fluid intake, using sports drinks or salty snacks, and avoid overhydration during prolonged physical activity.
Use High-Sodium Foods Wisely: While processed options are high in sodium, prioritize nutrient-dense choices like salted nuts and fermented foods. Rinse canned goods if a lower sodium level is desired.
Monitor and Adjust: Work with your doctor to regularly monitor sodium levels and adjust your dietary approach as needed to ensure a gradual and safe correction.

Hyponatremia, defined as a serum sodium concentration below 135 mEq/L, can result from a number of factors, including excessive fluid intake or insufficient sodium consumption relative to body water. The body's intricate system for regulating sodium can be overwhelmed, leading to symptoms like confusion, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Any dietary changes to address this condition should only be made under the strict guidance of a healthcare professional, as overly rapid correction can cause severe neurological damage.

Sodium-Rich Foods to Consider

For hypovolemic (low fluid) and some euvolemic (normal fluid) types of hyponatremia, increasing dietary sodium is a key component of treatment. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods is often recommended over highly processed junk food.

Meats and Seafood

Many protein sources are naturally high in sodium or have it added during processing for flavor and preservation.

Cured and Processed Meats: Products like ham, bacon, sausage, and cold cuts are excellent sources of sodium. For long-term management, focus on less processed options where possible.
Canned Fish: Canned tuna or salmon, especially those packed in brine, are convenient ways to boost sodium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fresh Seafood: Shrimp, scallops, and other fresh seafood absorb natural salt from the ocean and offer a healthy protein option.
Broth and Bouillon: Sodium-rich broths are beneficial for fluid and sodium replacement, particularly for athletes or those with gastrointestinal losses.

Dairy Products

Dairy products, especially certain cheeses, can contribute significant amounts of sodium.

Cottage Cheese: Depending on the variety, cottage cheese can be a very high-sodium, high-protein food. For example, full-fat cottage cheese has a lower water content than Greek yogurt and more protein.
Processed Cheeses: Processed cheeses and spreads tend to have higher sodium content than natural cheeses due to additives.

Snacks and Condiments

Certain snacks and condiments are naturally salty and can be used to increase intake.

Salted Nuts and Seeds: A handful of salted nuts can provide a quick boost of sodium, especially for those with exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH).
Pickles and Olives: Curing vegetables in brine significantly increases their sodium content. A dill pickle spear or a few olives can be a simple, salty addition to a meal.
Sauerkraut and Kimchi: These fermented foods are rich in probiotics and sodium.
Soy Sauce and Other Condiments: High-sodium condiments can be used sparingly to flavor meals. Remember to measure and monitor usage, or use low-sodium alternatives if advised by a doctor.

The Role of High-Protein, Low-Water Foods

For some types of hyponatremia, particularly euvolemic, the problem is not necessarily a lack of salt but an excess of body water that dilutes existing sodium. In these cases, increasing solute load (sodium, potassium, and urea) is crucial. A higher-protein diet is often recommended, as protein metabolism produces urea, which helps the kidneys excrete excess water. Choosing foods with lower water content also helps prevent further dilution.

Examples of High-Protein, Low-Water Content Foods

Meats: Chicken, beef, and pork (60-70% water).
Eggs: Provide protein with a water content of around 75%.
Nuts and Seeds: Have a very low water content (2-4%) and are high in protein and healthy fats.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese (around 70% water) is a good source of protein for increasing solute load.
Nut Butters: Peanut and almond butter have very low water content (1-2%).

Fluid Management and Exercise

Fluid management is a critical aspect of dietary therapy. For many hyponatremia patients, restricting water intake is necessary. This is particularly true for cases involving water intoxication, such as exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH). Athletes are at risk for EAH if they consume excessive fluids (even sports drinks) without adequate sodium replacement during prolonged exercise.

For mild EAH, oral sodium replacement combined with fluid restriction can be effective. In severe cases, pretzels or bouillon cubes may be recommended, but intravenous hypertonic saline may be necessary in a hospital setting.

Comparison Table: Sodium and Water Content of Foods


Food Item	Approximate Sodium Content	Approximate Water Content	Primary Benefit for Hyponatremia
Canned Tuna (in brine)	High (~400-600mg per can)	Variable	High sodium load, protein source
Dill Pickle Spear	High (~300mg)	High	Quick, high-sodium snack
Salted Nuts	Moderate to High	Low (2-4%)	Good for increasing solute and sodium
Full-fat Cottage Cheese	High (~350mg per 100g)	Moderate (70%)	High protein and sodium source
Salted Broth	High	High	Replaces fluid and electrolytes (hypovolemic)
Chicken/Beef (cooked)	Moderate	Moderate (60-70%)	Good protein source, adds solute

Conclusion

Dietary management is a cornerstone of safely treating hyponatremia, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the underlying cause, the strategy might involve increasing salt intake, focusing on high-protein, low-water foods, restricting fluid, or a combination. The most critical element is personalized medical guidance. Never attempt to self-treat hyponatremia with aggressive dietary changes or salt supplementation, as improper correction can be extremely dangerous. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. For more in-depth information, resources from institutions like the Mayo Clinic can provide valuable guidance.

A Note on Processed Foods

While processed foods and canned goods are often high in sodium, they should be used judiciously. For individuals requiring more sodium, they can be part of a medically supervised plan. However, for those with high blood pressure or other comorbidities, alternatives should be considered. When using canned goods, rinsing them can significantly reduce the sodium content, which may or may not be the desired effect depending on the treatment goal.

Final Thoughts on Diet and Hyponatremia

Managing hyponatremia effectively requires a balanced approach. By understanding the types of foods that can influence your sodium levels and working closely with a healthcare team, you can build a diet that supports electrolyte balance and overall health. Focus on nutrient-rich options, prioritize protein when appropriate, and be mindful of fluid consumption to help your body regulate its sodium levels correctly.

: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373715

Consult a Professional

This article provides general information and should not replace professional medical advice. A doctor can correctly diagnose the type and severity of your hyponatremia and recommend a safe, effective dietary plan tailored to your health needs. Always discuss any planned changes to your diet with a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

While increasing salt can help raise sodium levels, it should only be done if your doctor recommends it and for specific types of hyponatremia, like hypovolemic. A personalized approach is crucial, and eating too much salt without addressing the underlying cause can create other health issues.

Sports drinks can be helpful for replenishing sodium and electrolytes, especially for exercise-associated hyponatremia, but should not be over-consumed. Always consult your doctor to determine if and how much is appropriate for your specific condition.

In certain types of hyponatremia, high protein intake is recommended because protein metabolism produces urea, a solute that helps the kidneys excrete excess water. This helps correct the sodium imbalance caused by fluid dilution.

Yes, hyponatremia is very common in older adults due to age-related physiological changes, comorbidities, and polypharmacy. Mild chronic hyponatremia is also associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures in this population.

Fluid restriction is a cornerstone of treatment for many types of hyponatremia, particularly euvolemic and hypervolemic, to prevent further sodium dilution. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines on how much fluid you should consume daily.

This refers to a dietary pattern common in older adults, often characterized by a poor appetite, where a diet of tea and toast leads to a deficiency in sodium, protein, and other nutrients. This can be a contributing factor to hyponatremia.

Dietary changes can help manage and, in some cases, prevent hyponatremia, but they must be part of a comprehensive, medically-supervised plan. Preventing hyponatremia often involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include medications, exercise habits, or other medical conditions.