India, July 2 -- Water is essential for staying hydrated, but after intense exercise, long hours in the heat or heavy sweating, your body loses more than just fluids - it also loses electrolytes such as sodium. That is why sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions contain electrolytes to help restore fluid balance. Some people also add a pinch of salt to plain water for the same reason, but does it actually work?

Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, explains the role of salt in supporting hydration. In an Instagram video shared on July 2, he discusses how sodium can help the body absorb and retain water, while also warning that excessive intake may have adverse health effects.

According to D...