What are Salt Pills?
Salt pills, more commonly known as salt tablets, are usually sold as a dietary supplement in the form of buffered sodium. The purpose of salt pills is to replace a suspected loss of sodium through sweat during rigorous physical activity over a long period of time. Similarly, those consuming a pure vegan diet may also choose to supplement their sodium intake. However, it is unlikely that the average person, whether vegan, athletic, or not, will receive advice from their physician to take salt pills.
While many years ago it was more common for athletes to take salt pills, modern sports medicine emphasizes the importance of a proper balance of electrolyte intake. Maintaining a proper balance of salt and water is crucial to metabolism and bodily function. While triathlon and marathon athletes may still supplement with salt pills, it is a practice that is advisable only when inordinate amounts of water are being consumed and intake is being monitored by a sports medicine professional. In most cases, sports trainers recommend consuming low-sugar sports drinks that have been formulated to contain a proper balance of electrolytes.
The reason salt pills have been deemed unnecessary in most cases is because the body generally consumes more salt than is recommended. Salt is used in the preparation and preservation of many foods and those who consume a large portion of their diet from either eating out or eating pre-packaged foods are likely consuming more than enough sodium. Even people eating a strictly vegetarian diet typically require no salt supplementation.
While a certain amount of sodium in the blood stream is necessary, excess sodium results in a metabolic imbalance known as hypernatremia, which ultimately can result in seizures and death. Similarly, the opposite condition, hyponatremia, too little sodium, can also be fatal.
Though many individuals, especially those who remember when salt pills were a solution to loss of sodium through profuse perspiration and were also recommended for leg cramps, are still curious about supplementing sodium it should not be done lightly. Due to the delicate balance of water and sodium, along with other electrolytes, needed for metabolic health, it is not advisable for anyone to take salt pills without the advice of a physician or licensed dietitian.
Written by J. Beam
