How Much Is Too Much Sodium?

While it's true that sodium is important for hydration, helping maintain normal fluid balance in the body, it’s not the only electrolyte that matters, and you absolutely can have too much.

People are different. And different people need different amounts of sodium throughout the day. The problem is, how do you know how much you need? 

To choose the right electrolyte brand with the right amount of sodium, you need to know what it does, where it comes from and how we lose it. You also need to know about the other electrolytes that play a part in hydration and how different mixtures suit different needs.

What Do Sodium Electrolytes Do?

Sodium helps maintain normal fluid balance and is an important electrolyte lost in sweat.

Sweat contains water and electrolytes, primarily sodium, which is why drinking only water after long, sweaty periods of exercise isn’t always enough to rehydrate.

We all sweat differently. Genetics, fitness, activity, and environment all affect the composition of our sweat. This is a big reason why there isn’t a single sodium dose that's right for everyone, and that taking the supplement with the most sodium might not rehydrate you.

Sodium is in many of the foods we eat, so for many people, consuming too much sodium is the problem. With this in mind, when choosing an electrolyte drink, it's worth considering not just the drink's sodium content, but how it fits into your overall daily intake.

What Does Too Much Sodium Do To Your Body?

This depends on you, how much you’ve taken, and the situation you’ve taken it in.

Short term

High-sodium electrolytes can help your body retain the fluid you drink and encourage hydration after sweating (although not perfectly). This is why many electrolyte drinks contain sodium and why they can help people recover from exercise, physical work, or hot conditions.

However, more sodium isn't always better. And if you take on too much, you may experience temporary thirst, bloating, or fluid retention.

Long term

Excess salt consumption over a long time can cause high blood pressure. Public health guidance recommends limiting salt consumption over time.

Ultimately, the best electrolyte drink isn't necessarily the one with the highest sodium content. It's the one that provides an appropriate balance of electrolytes for your lifestyle, activity level, sweat losses, and diet.

Potassium & Chloride Electrolytes

Electrolytes play an important role in the body. And all O.R.S Hydration tablets contain a carefully formulated mixture of sodium, potassium, and chloride to help support normal bodily functions.

Potassium contributes to normal muscle and nervous system function. It can be found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, dairy products, and protein sources. It is also lost in sweat, though not as much as sodium.

Chloride is another important electrolyte for maintaining normal fluid and acid-base balance. Like sodium, it can be found in salty foods and is lost in sweat.

Finding The Best Electrolyte Balance

Our everyday tablets are a scientifically balanced blend of electrolytes, helping you to hydrate faster and for longer. Formulated by pharmacists and perfect for everyday hydration, without overloading on sodium. These tablets suit people who may not drink enough water or need a quick hydration boost.

Ingredients

(per 2 tablets in 200ml of water)

Potassium 193mg: Potassium contributes to normal muscle function and normal nervous system function.

Sodium 277mg: Sodium contributes to normal fluid balance and is an important electrolyte lost in sweat.

Chloride 352mg: Chloride is an important electrolyte involved in normal fluid balance and acid-base balance.

Glucose 3.27g: Our tablets contain a small functional dose of glucose, which helps enhance electrolyte absorption to hydrate you faster.

How to take O.R.S Hydration Tablets

Dissolve TWO tablets in 200ml of water to prepare the electrolyte solution.

Adults: Drink 200ml of mixed solution for rapid hydration.

Kids (6+ Years): 200ml of mixed solution when required.

Kids (3-6 Years): 10ml solution per kg body weight (small sips)

Kids (under 3): O.R.S Kids Hydration tablets may be used at 10ml solution per kg body weight, given in small sips, only under the guidance, supervision or recommendation of a healthcare professional.

Can Different Electrolyte Mixtures Help With Different Things?

Sodium requirements change alongside activity. During prolonged exercise and heavy sweating, some people may benefit from increasing their sodium intake to support hydration and reduce fatigue. 

This doesn’t mean ‘most sodium wins.’ Different formulas allow people to choose a hydration solution that matches their needs.

O.R.S Sports Hydration

Our scientifically balanced sports electrolyte mix is formulated to support physical activity and recovery. Fast-acting hydration, with magnesium to reduce tiredness and fatigue, and vitamin D to support normal muscle function. Our sports tablets are a must for preparing for, performing and recovering from intense physical exercise.

Ingredients

(per 1 tablet in 500ml of water)

Magnesium 56mg: Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal muscle function.

Sodium 260mg: Sodium helps maintain normal fluid balance and is an important electrolyte lost in sweat.

Chloride 177mg: Chloride is an important electrolyte involved in normal fluid balance.

Glucose 1.08g: Our tablets contain a small functional dose of glucose, which helps enhance electrolyte absorption to hydrate you faster. 

Vitamin D 2.5µg: Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.

ORS vs High-Sodium Electrolytes

The problem with focusing solely on sodium content when choosing an electrolyte brand is that you miss out on other electrolytes. Potassium, chloride, and magnesium, in our sports mix, all play a role in maintaining normal fluid balance and bodily function.

Rather than taking a ‘more sodium is always better’ approach, O.R.S Hydration offers a range of scientifically balanced formulas designed for different hydration needs.

FAQs

What happens when you have too many electrolytes?

When we supply our bodies with electrolytes, they’re very good at maintaining a balance, with excess electrolytes being excreted in urine and sweat. 

What are the signs of sodium imbalance?

Too much sodium can cause thirst, bloating, or fluid retention. Too little sodium can upset brain and muscle function. Remember, it’s an electrolyte balance; you can have too much as well as not enough.

How do I prepare the O.R.S Sports solution?

Dissolve ONE tablet in 500ml of water to prepare the electrolyte solution.

For adults, the recommended dose is 500 mL as needed. No more than two doses a day.

Can children use electrolyte tablets?

Yes, our everyday hydration range is suitable for children. We also have specially formulated hydration tablets for kids.

For children aged 6 and above, just dissolve 2 tablets in 200ml of water.

Children aged 3–6 should take 10ml of electrolyte solution per kg of body weight, given in small sips, only under the guidance, supervision or recommendation of a healthcare professional.