When to take, side effects, and more

Salt tablets, or salt pills, may help replace low levels of sodium in the body. Sodium is both a mineral and an electrolyte. The body needs electrolytes to regulate the body’s hydration, ensure hydration, and help the body function well.

If you have symptoms of hyponatremia, that is, if your blood sodium levels are low, your doctor may prescribe or recommend salt tablets. Normal blood sodium concentration is approximately 135-145 milliequivalents / liter (mEq / L).

Doctors diagnose hyponatremia when sodium levels drop 135 mEq / L.. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the causes of hyponatremia are:

• Kidney failure, when the kidneys are unable to remove excess water from the body
• Excessive fluid buildup in the body can lead to congestive heart failure
• Diuretics (drugs), increase sodium in the urine
• Sweat more than usual
• Severe vomiting and diarrhea that deplete fluid and salt
• Excessive thirst, too much fluid intake

Exercise can also cause exercise-related hyponatremia. This happens when athletes, often long-distance runners, consume excessive water during physical activity and deplete natural levels of sodium.

As a result, many marathons and long-distance runners take salt tablets before or during long runs to avoid low-level electrolyte-related cramps.

Underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis can cause the body to lose more salt in sweat, especially in children and young adults with the condition. Doctors may prescribe salt tablets to prevent the development of hyponatremia.

People take salt pills for many reasons:

• Improve hydration during exercise, especially during endurance activities
• Maintaining the balance of electrolytes in the body after illness and exercise
• Manage the symptoms and side effects of the underlying disorder

There is some evidence to suggest that salt tablets are an effective treatment for hyponatremia.

A 2020 research When entering use as a treatment for hyponatremia, there was a slight but significant increase in sodium blood levels in people compared to those who did not receive salt tablets.

However, there is little evidence to suggest that long-distance running can help prevent illness.

A 2021 study of sodium supplements and climate effects during ultramarathons found that salt tablets did not appear to protect athletes from low-electrolyte symptoms such as cramps. Instead, factors such as weight, extended training distance, and avoidance of excessive fluid intake proved to be more important in preventing these problems.

Salt tablets should not cause certain side effects at the recommended dose. However, hypernatremia can occur if you take much more than the recommended dose. This is when the body is too salty.

Symptoms of hypernatremia are:

• Weaknesses
• dizzy
• thirst
• Swelling of the tongue
• Restlessness
• Flushed skin
• headache
• Fast heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Delirium

People taking salt tablets who notice any of the above symptoms should stop taking them immediately and contact their doctor.

Before taking salt tablets, you should inform your doctor of allergies, underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and kidney disease, and possible implications such as whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You can buy salt tablets over the counter, but overdose of salt tablets can cause serious symptoms.

People taking salt tablets should follow their doctor’s instructions or follow the package dosage instructions. Taking tablets with food can reduce the chance of upset stomach.

Salt tablets usually contain about 400 milligrams of sodium. It should be stored safely at room temperature of about 15-30 ° C (59-86 ° F).

People can dissolve salt tablets in water to make an isotonic solution. Dissolve 1 tablet in 4 ounces of water and take as directed by your doctor or healthcare professional.

People taking salt tablets to prevent febrile seizures should take one orally as directed by their doctor.

There is evidence to suggest that salt tablets can help prevent dehydration in certain situations.

A 2016 small survey We have found evidence to support the use of salt supplementation to prevent dehydration during exercise. Researchers have found that a solution of sodium chloride tablets and water helps athletes retain water during exercise compared to athletes using alternative glycerol-based solutions.

It is important to note that this study showed that sodium solutions were superior to salt tablets when people took them themselves. People should drink plenty of water with the pills.

another 2016 survey Burn victims have found that 1 liter of water-dissolved salt tablets are effective in treating dehydration, a common side effect of burns.

However Texas Heart Institute It warns that taking salt tablets that do not contain water or other electrolytes should be avoided as they can exacerbate dehydration.

If you would like to take salt tablets to relieve dehydration during exercise, consult your doctor before taking. They may consider choosing salt solutions and electrolytes or sports drinks, not just salt tablets.

Salt tablets increase low levels of sodium in the blood and help balance the electrolytes in the body. They may be suitable for use by people with underlying health and athletes.

People who take more salt tablets than the recommended dose may notice hypersensitivity, high heart rate, and dizziness, among other symptoms. If you want to take salt tablets for exercise, talk to your doctor first.