The standard one
Sodium chloride (table salt or salt tablets)
Plain salt. Salt tablets or measured salt are common when you're told to add sodium.
Good for: Budget-friendly
What variations of sodium exist?
The main electrolyte in salt. It holds fluid in your bloodstream and helps nerves and muscles work. Most people get plenty, but some are advised to add more. It comes in 5 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Easy on the stomach: the gentler one (Buffered salt capsules)
- Easy to take: the drink one (Electrolyte mixes or oral rehydration solutions)
Every form, in plain words
The standard one
Sodium chloride (table salt or salt tablets)
Plain salt. Salt tablets or measured salt are common when you're told to add sodium.
Good for: Budget-friendly
The drink one
Electrolyte mixes or oral rehydration solutions
Mixes sodium with potassium and a little sugar, which helps your gut soak up fluid.
Good for: Easy to take
The gentler one
Buffered salt capsules
Often mixes sodium with potassium and may be easier on your stomach than plain salt tablets.
Good for: Easy on the stomach
The fancy salt
Sea salt or pink salt
Still mostly sodium chloride. The extra minerals are too tiny to matter, and most have little iodine.
Usually skip
- Not for salt loading (Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda))Used for heartburn or some kidney conditions, not for everyday salt replacement.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Sodium chloride' on the label (the standard one)
Watch out for
- The label doesn't say how much sodium is in a serving
- Electrolyte drinks with lots of sugar but little sodium
- Using electrolyte drinks, salt tablets, and salty foods all at once
Check with your provider first if…
- You have high blood pressure. Extra salt usually raises it more.
- You have kidney disease, heart failure, or liver disease with fluid buildup
- You take blood pressure medicine, a 'water pill', or fludrocortisone or another steroid that makes your body hold on to salt
- You're pregnant, especially with high blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Swelling in your legs, shortness of breath, or fast weight gain. Get medical care.
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.