Salt Aids in Muscle Function
According to SFGate’s Healthy Eating page, salt can help contribute to healthy muscle contractions through the proper transmission of nerve signals. One of the keys to these muscle and nerve functions is electrolytes, which actually helps conduct electricity.
Electrolytes are created by salts dissolving in fluids, which breaks down the salt into its components. As explained by BuiltLean.com, table salt breaks into two components when dropped in water—sodium (a positive ion) and chloride (a negative ion). That explains why commercials for sports drinks are always pushing electrolytes—apparently they work.

Sodium Can Lead to Kidney Stones
Salt can cause your kidneys to release more calcium into your urine—according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), this calcium bonds with phosphorus to form stones.
While you may be inclined to reduce calcium intake because of this, the institute advises to cut your salt intake instead. There’s room to move on this: while the recommended intake is around 2,300-milligrams per day, most Americans are at 3,400-milligrams, according to the source. Also add more water to your diet.

Salt Regulates Body Heat
The Rush University Medical Center explains how salt concentrations help regulate your body temperature. The area of the brain called the hypothalamus is responsible for this function, acting as a sort of “thermostat” for your body, notes the source.
It explains that it triggers the middle layer of your skin—called the dermis—to bring water and salt to the skin’s surface when you’re overheating, causing the water to evaporate and naturally cooling you (this is commonly known as sweating). Speaking of sweating, it can help reduce bacteria on your skin and reduce your chance of developing kidney stones.

Julie Ching, MS, RDN, CDE
Julie Ching is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator in Los Angeles. She decided to become a Dietitian after traveling through Europe, South America, and Asia and discovered a passion for food. She now works with people of all ages and varying disease states to improve their health. She is passionate about teaching people about nutrition so they can live their best life while still considering their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.