Drinking vs Eating Salt

Salt has long been demonized as a health risk, but what if the real problem isn’t salt itself, but how are we consuming it?

Drinking Salt is Better

Sodium is a key electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance. Drinking a properly diluted saline solution ensures that your body absorbs water effectively, rather than losing it through the kidneys to urine. Drinking salt is more effective than eating it because it will be filtered straight into your blood through the kidney’s normal functions. Dr. Angela Stanton’s migraine protocol calls for drinking 1/8 teaspoon of salt (300mg of sodium) with 8oz of water. This will allow the kidneys to take as much sodium as they need and discard the rest. You might ask yourself, “what if I eat enough sodium in my diet?” The simple answer is your body does not process it the same way because you have to digest it through all stomach and process it through the (not so small) small intestine. Your body will process electrolytes more easily to rehydrate you when consumed in liquid form rather than solid form.

Sodium is Not the Only Important Electrolyte

Potassium is another key electrolyte in your body. Potassium and sodium work together to regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions—each playing a crucial role in the process. They should be consumed in a 1:1 ratio, and they work together to properly hydrate you when processed through the kidneys. When potassium levels are too high, the kidneys will vasodilate and release too much sodium which can cause issues and potassium is very hard to get rid of in blood. Vasodilate means to widen or expand blood vessels. For more on potassium, see Dr. Stanton’s Q&A on supplementing potassium.

Don’t Fear Salt!

Sodium is an essential nutrient to the human body, and everyone needs it daily to be healthy. For those who suffer from migraine, there is no reason to fear salt as long as you are drinking it with water. In fact, more sodium (with the proper amount of potassium as well) can actually help your symptoms.

If you find it hard or think it will be hard to properly measure sodium intake, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. The Complete Electrolyte Supplement offers the optimal dosage of iodine, sodium, and potassium for maximum hydration. For those with POTS, Dr. Stanton personally recommends doubling the dose (2 capsules) with 1 cup (8fl oz) of water.

The Hidden Risks of Vitamin D3: What You Need to Know

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is often praised as an essential nutrient for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and overall well-being. But what happens when you take too much? With so many people jumping on the vitamin D bandwagon, it’s important to understand not only its benefits but also its risks.

Grass-Fed, Grass-Finished, and Grain-Finished: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for beef, you’ve probably come across labels like grass-fed, grass-finished, and grain-finished. While they might sound similar, each term represents a different feeding process that impacts the flavor, nutrition, and sustainability of the meat.