Affiliate Disclaimer
Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we find useful to our readers
Do you drink salt water? Are you aware of what it can do to your body?
Chances are, you may not fully understand the effects of drinking salt water. While it has its benefits, there are also potential downsides to consider.
Saltwater consumption should be approached with caution, as every individual’s body is unique and has different physiological processes and responses.
Are you curious about what happens to your body when you drink salt water? Here are a few insights to help you understand its effects.
What Happens to the Body When You Drink Salt Water?
Before discussing the merits and demerits of salt water intake, it’s essential to understand the basics.
Our body’s saline concentration (R) is approximately 9 grams of NaCl (sodium chloride). Any imbalance in this concentration can lead to negative effects on the body.
Salt consists of two key elements, sodium and chloride, which are vital electrolytes. These ions play an important role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the body’s cells.
When consuming salt water, it’s crucial to know how much is safe. Overconsumption can lead to hypernatremia, which occurs due to excessive sodium in the body.
If you’re still unsure about what happens when you drink salt water, here are some of its benefits and side effects to consider.
Benefits of Salt Water on the Body
1. Re-hydrates the Body
During hot summers, since people tend to perspire more, this easily leads to imbalanced electrolytes in the body.
Drinking salt water helps restore the amount of sodium chloride lost due to sweating.
It could also support hydrating after a bad bout of gastric flu.
But you need to drink in moderation. Avoid gulping down several glasses and take it sip by sip to get the desired results.
Also, Read: 17 Remedies For Dehydration For Immediate Relief
2. Staves off the Risks of Throat Infection
If you’ve been struggling with persistent coughing, salt water is the solution for you.
Potent antimicrobial properties in salt (R) work by eliminating throat infections, which may be causing you to cough.
Warm salt water (R) will reduce inflammation, which will alleviate the soreness as well.
Salt water gargling also promotes oral health. It helps prevent gum disease and promotes good dental health.
Also, Read: 10 Home Remedies For Burning Sensation In Throat That Work
3. Possible Detoxification
Our blood occasionally requires detoxification, either through the body’s natural processes, such as the kidneys, or with additional support from us.
It is believed that saltwater contains fantastic blood-cleansing abilities, based largely on the antimicrobial actions of salt.
While there is no scientific evidence to prove this, salt water consumption in the morning is said to help remove excess toxins from the body.
The precaution is to avoid excessive salt consumption, as excess consumption is dangerous.
Also, Read: Food good for detoxification
Side Effects of Drinking Salt Water
1. Possible Risk of Dehydration
Similar to how salt water can help with the hydration levels in the body, it can cause dehydration.
The kidneys are engineered to remove salt from the body through urine. When you overconsume salt water, your kidneys will struggle to filter excess salt quickly.
This triggers a sudden increase of NaCl in the blood. When the concentration increases outside the cells, osmosis allows the cells to lose water to equalize the excess salt in the blood.
This can lead to dehydration. Moreover, increased urination due to excessive salt, as caused by this process, may contribute to further dehydration.
2. Risk of Hypertension
Over-consumption of salt water increases the level of salt in the blood.
To sustain the body’s normal state, the cells give up their water content, which leads to more fluids entering the blood and, henceforth, more pressure on the blood vessels.
If this condition continues, it will bring about the malfunctioning of the vital organs, thereby increasing the chances of developing high blood pressure.
Be careful because the long-term effects on blood pressure and organ function can be fatal (R).
Also, Read: 9 Side Effects Of Hypertension On The Brain, Heart, and Overall Health
3. Possible Risks of Cramping
Another problem that may result from overconsumption of salt water is cramping.
One of the most common reasons for this is that there is an excess sodium buildup around the cells. This, in turn, causes osmosis to suck the water from the cells and shrink them. This will affect the movement and contraction of the muscles, leading to cramps or involuntary contractions.
Over time, it can become a habit and negatively impact the overall function and movement of the muscles.
Also, Read:12 Ways To Get Rid Of Nervous Stomach – Tackle Your Anxiousness!
4. Impact on Kidney Functions
Lastly, overconsumption of salt water negatively affects the kidney functions.
Because the kidneys excrete, sudden high salt levels in the body cause too much pressure on them and can lead to malfunction.
When the salt levels in the bloodstream exceed normal levels, the kidneys work harder to compensate. Over time, this persistent overworking can damage the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Also, Read: Kidney Infection Symptoms To Check
Conclusion
Drinking salt water can offer both benefits and risks, depending on the amount and frequency of consumption. On the positive side, it can help rehydrate the body, alleviate throat infections, and potentially aid detoxification.
However, one must be careful because overconsumption leads to dehydration, hypertension, cramping, and kidney dysfunction.
The bottom line is moderation ensures that you weigh the pros against the cons to avoid adverse health effects. Always be aware of how much salt water you are taking in, and seek a healthcare professional if unsure about its impact on your body.
-
Sep 2020Written by Somapika D
-
Feb 2025Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri
In this Article
