Why ORS Works Better Than Just Salt for POTS

If you're living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or another form of dysautonomia, chances are you've been told to increase your salt intake. For many, this advice for many people leads to swallowing straight salt by the spoonful or dumping it into water (blech!). But here’s the thing: not all salt is created equal, and there's a better, safer, and more effective way to hydrate your body—it's called Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS).

Let’s break down why using a medically balanced ORS like NormaLyte is a much smarter choice than simply eating salt straight.

Why Salt Matters for POTS

Salt (sodium) helps your body retain water, which is crucial for those with POTS who often have low blood volume. Increasing sodium intake is a cornerstone of symptom management. However, it's not just about sodium—your body also needs glucose and other electrolytes like potassium to absorb fluid effectively. That’s where many people unintentionally fall short.

The Problem with Taking Salt Alone

While dumping salt into water may seem like a simple fix, it doesn't guarantee that your body will absorb the fluids effectively. Without the correct balance of sodium and glucose, water may just pass through you without actually increasing your blood volume. Plus, large amounts of raw salt can cause stomach irritation or nausea.

Some forms of salt also vary in purity and consistency, and it’s difficult to know exactly what dose you’re getting. This makes daily management harder and less reliable—especially for those who need precision.

Why ORS Is the Superior Option

An Oral Rehydration Solution like NormaLyte PURE contains the WHO-recommended ratio of sodium, glucose, and potassium. This balance allows your body to absorb fluids quickly and efficiently, helping you increase blood volume and reduce POTS symptoms without the guesswork.

Safety is one of our core competencies. Having been developed by pharmacists, we pride ourselves on having the safest product on the market, especially for those with chronic conditions needing daily supplementation.

Plus, NormaLyte's ORS packets have been clinically proven to help manage symptoms of POTS—something that cannot be said of plain salts.

Other benefits of using NormaLyte include:

• No artificial sweeteners in the PURE formula

• Less than 1% sucralose in flavored options

• Gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, dye-free

• No heavy metals or questionable additives

NormaLyte is specifically formulated for people with dysautonomia and chronic illness, so you can hydrate confidently and consistently.

What About Electrolyte Drinks?

While sports drinks and electrolyte powders might seem like good options, most don’t contain nearly enough sodium to meet the needs of someone with POTS. They're often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, and they aren't designed for medical rehydration.

NormaLyte follows the gold standard ORS formula used by the World Health Organization to treat dehydration and low blood volume—and it’s available without a prescription.

But Is There Arsenic or Lead in Celtic Salt?

While salt is generally safe for consumption, concerns have been raised about the potential for contaminants like lead and arsenic in some unrefined salts such as Celtic Salt. In fact, lawsuits have been filed for failing to disclose trace levels of heavy metals. While research is ongoing, the uncertainty has raised eyebrows among health-conscious consumers. Communities like Mamavation have also shared independent test results of popular Himalayan and Sea salt brands, further fueling the conversation around salt safety. Until more regulation and clarity are in place, using a scientifically formulated, quality-controlled product like NormaLyte offers greater peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Choose Smarter Hydration

Taking straight salt might seem like a quick fix, but it can lead to imbalances and ineffective hydration. With POTS, your body needs more than just sodium—it needs the right combination of electrolytes and glucose to truly hydrate and function.

NormaLyte Oral Rehydration Salts offer a safer, more effective way to get what your body needs, minus the risk.