Dietitians Debunk Celtic Salt Hydration Claims

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Bernama) -- As Muslims observe the Ramadan fast, various tips are being shared on social media to help the body stay energised and hydrated, especially in hot weather.

Among the increasingly popular tips is the use of Celtic salt, either placed under the tongue or mixed with water during sahur (pre-dawn meal), which is believed to help the body stay hydrated for longer.

But how accurate is the claim that this type of sea salt, said to contain higher mineral content than regular salt, can truly reduce thirst until iftar?

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According to dietitian Siti Noor Ain Abu Thalib, the mineral differences between Celtic salt and regular salt are minimal and not clinically significant. As such, the belief in its effectiveness is likely due to a placebo effect — when individuals perceive something as effective simply because they believe it is.

She explained that excessive salt intake can actually increase thirst, as elevated sodium levels in the blood stimulate the body’s need for water.

“Consuming salt can make individuals feel thirstier, not less thirsty, because sodium levels in the blood rise. The claim that it reduces thirst may occur because individuals tend to drink more water than usual when trying the salt.

“So, the real factor that helps the body last longer is increased water intake, not the salt itself. When more water is consumed, the body becomes better hydrated,” she explained when contacted by Bernama.

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The Hospital Kuala Lumpur dietitian added that excessive salt intake also raises the risk of high blood pressure and may affect individuals with kidney, heart, liver disease and hypertension.

“When body cells experience severe dehydration, it can increase blood pressure. Individuals with conditions such as hypertension need to be more cautious. Some people are unaware they have high blood pressure until it becomes serious and increases the risk of stroke,” she said.

Siti Noor Ain noted that according to the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines, the recommended salt intake for adults is about one teaspoon or 2,000 milligrammes (mg) of sodium per day, including salt already present in daily food.

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Meanwhile, dietitian Jazlina Syahrul of Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (HSAAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said the primary function of sodium in the body is to draw water into cells and regulate fluid balance.

However, she said the human body does not distinguish between sodium from different types of salt, as the body’s ability to retain fluid is a normal biological response to any sodium source.

“Biologically, electrolytes such as sodium and potassium play an important role in regulating fluid balance inside and around body cells. During fasting, when food and water intake are restricted, this electrolyte interaction greatly influences hydration levels and thirst.

“Our body naturally requires only a small amount of sodium to maintain water balance. Therefore, the use of any type of salt in small quantities is still permissible,” she said.

-- BERNAMA