Types of Salt Explained: the Science Behind Effective Hydration with NormaLyte

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about the different types of salt available on the market. Some people say that certain salts are "healthier" or "better" for you.  Let’s clear up the confusion about Himalayan salt, sea salt, table salt, and how NormaLyte—an advanced oral rehydration solution (ORS)—uses salt to deliver effective hydration.

Types of Salt: What You Need to Know

Himalayan Salt

Himalayan salt is a term for salt mined from ancient deposits in mountainous regions within a specific geographic area, particularly in Pakistan. When people refer to Pink Himalayan salt, they’re talking about Himalayan salt that contains trace amounts of iron oxide, or rust, which gives it a pinkish hue. This rust doesn’t add significant nutritional value, but it does give pink Himalayan salt its distinctive color and subtle earthy flavor.

The white, or uncolored, Himalayan salt found in the same region doesn’t contain these iron oxide traces and is more neutral in appearance and taste. Despite the color difference, both types are primarily made up of sodium chloride, with very small amounts of other minerals.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is harvested by evaporating ocean water, leaving behind salt crystals that retain a variety of trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. While sea salt does contain these minerals, they’re present only in trace amounts, too small to have any real added nutritional value. Sea salt’s flavor and texture, however, can vary based on where it’s harvested, giving it a bit of uniqueness as a finishing salt.

Table Salt

Table salt is the refined, pure sodium chloride (NaCl) you’re likely familiar with in your salt shaker at home. This type of salt is typically mined, then processed to remove impurities, leaving a fine-grained salt. Table salt is often iodized to help prevent iodine deficiency, which is important for thyroid health.

Are All Salts the Same?

Not all salts are the same; they vary in chemical composition, mineral content, and effects on the body.

Different salts provide different electrolytes, which affect hydration differently. Sodium chloride is a key electrolyte for hydration, but potassium and magnesium salts are also essential for proper electrolyte balance, especially in medical or rehydration contexts.

Salt vs. Sodium

It’s also essential to understand the difference between salt and sodium. While all salt contains sodium, not all sodium comes from salt. Sodium is an element that’s found in many compounds, and its chemical composition can vary based on these combinations. For instance, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a sodium compound but isn’t the same as salt.

How NormaLyte's ORS Plays a Unique Role in Hydration

NormaLyte is a scientifically formulated oral rehydration solution (ORS), developed according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standards, and designed to maximize hydration effectiveness. The ORS formula has been called “one of the most important medical advances of the 20th century,” as it’s proven to deliver superior hydration by effectively replenishing both fluids and electrolytes.

Why NormaLyte is More Effective Than Water or Other Salts Alone

Oral rehydration solutions like NormaLyte work through a mechanism called the Sodium Glucose Cotransport System. This system uses a balanced combination of sodium and glucose to enhance water absorption in the intestines, making hydration significantly more efficient. In fact, studies show that ORS can hydrate as effectively as IV hydration under certain conditions, making it ideal for people who need consistent and effective rehydration.

If you’re managing dysautonomia or POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), this is especially relevant. NormaLyte has been clinically studied and shown to help alleviate symptoms associated with POTS. Unlike simply increasing salt or sodium intake, using an ORS like NormaLyte allows you to get an optimized balance of sodium and glucose that’s formulated specifically to support hydration and maintain fluid balance in the body.

Safety, Effectiveness, and Affordability: The NormaLyte Promise

NormaLyte was developed by pharmacists who understand the importance of safety and clinical efficacy. It delivers the precise concentration of electrolytes that people with chronic illness need to stay hydrated while being safe for daily use by anyone. Plus, NormaLyte’s formula provides a convenient way to meet daily electrolyte needs without the guesswork of trying to balance salt intake on your own.

For anyone curious to try it, NormaLyte offers free samples on their website, so you can experience the hydration benefits firsthand.