Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Sea salt is used to support and treat dehydration primarily because of its role in restoring electrolyte balance. Dehydration often leads to the loss of both water and important electrolytes such as sodium and chloride, which are critical for proper cellular function, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Scientific evidence supports the use of salted solutions (oral rehydration solutions or ORS) in treating dehydration, especially in cases due to diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. These solutions typically use table salt (sodium chloride), but sea salt, which is chemically similar, can also be used as a sodium source.

Numerous clinical guidelines, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO), specify the use of sodium (as found in salt) in oral rehydration therapy. The key factor is the sodium content rather than the source of the salt; sea salt provides sodium and chloride as well as trace minerals, although the additional minerals are generally not present in concentrations high enough to make a significant difference in rehydration.

While there is robust scientific support for the use of sodium chloride in treating dehydration, it is important to note that sea salt should be used as part of a balanced oral rehydration solution, not simply consumed alone, as excess salt without adequate water can worsen dehydration. Thus, the use of sea salt in rehydration is justified based on scientific evidence regarding sodium chloride’s physiological role in fluid balance.

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