Evidence supporting the use of: Salt
For the health condition: Dehydration

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Salt (sodium chloride) is scientifically validated for use in treating dehydration, especially in cases of dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. The primary scientific rationale is that dehydration involves the loss of both water and electrolytes, particularly sodium. Water alone does not adequately restore the body's electrolyte balance, and continued water intake without sodium can exacerbate electrolyte disturbances such as hyponatremia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), a specific mixture of sodium chloride, glucose, potassium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate or citrate. This formulation is highly effective for rehydrating individuals suffering from dehydration due to diarrheal diseases. The addition of glucose promotes the co-transport of sodium and water across the gut wall, greatly enhancing rehydration efficiency.

Multiple large-scale clinical trials and decades of field experience have demonstrated that ORS significantly reduces mortality from dehydration, especially among children in low-resource settings. The use of salt in rehydration therapy is thus strongly supported by scientific evidence and is a cornerstone of modern medical practice for treating dehydration.

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