Salt

Sodium chloride, or salt, is an electrolyte that is vitally important for the body to function correctly.

It is needed to help control blood pressure and blood volume. ¹ It is also necessary to ensure that muscles and nerves work correctly. ²

Salt helps with blood pressure and volume because where salt goes, water will always follow. ³ Medical providers will often encourage those with dysautonomia to increase the amount of dietary salt, salt supplementation, and the amount of water consumed. ⁴ ⁵

However, increasing salt and water intake is not for everyone and should be discussed with the medical provider.

Recommendations usually range from 6 to 10 grams (roughly 1 to 2 teaspoons) of salt a day in those without high blood pressure. ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹²

This can come in the form of adding additional salt to foods, including salt through hydration via electrolyte drinks and salt tablets. ¹³ ¹⁴

Well-rounded electrolyte supplementation and dietary inclusion are essential. ¹⁵

Salt tablets or pills can be purchased over the counter and are usually not covered by insurance.

These can cause stomach upset, so taking with food can often lessen the discomfort.

SaltSticks (capsules & chewable tablets) are sometimes tolerated better than traditional salt pills. While the increase of dietary salt is often tried initially, some individuals might also need medication support to help the kidneys retain the increased sodium rather than excrete it out through the urine. ¹⁶

Reviewed by Medical Content Experts, 2021

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