What should I do if I accidentally consume too much salt once in a while?

Generally, if a person accidentally consumes too much salt, symptoms can be alleviated through observation, drinking more water, or medication depending on the individual's condition. Specific measures are as follows:

1. Observation

Salt is composed of sodium chloride and provides sodium—an essential element for the human body that helps maintain cellular osmotic pressure and regulates fluid acid-base balance. In healthy individuals, consuming excess salt occasionally usually does not cause adverse effects, as surplus sodium ions are naturally metabolized and excreted from the body via bodily fluids.

2. Drink More Water

Occasional excessive salt intake may lead to thirst. Drinking plenty of warm water increases blood volume and effectively relieves thirst. Additionally, engaging in moderate physical activity to induce sweating can promote sodium excretion.

3. Medication

If a patient already has hypernatremia, excessive salt consumption may further elevate blood sodium levels, leading to cell shrinkage and symptoms such as fatigue and nausea. Under medical supervision, intravenous glucose solution may be administered for hydration, followed by diuretics to enhance sodium excretion.

Moreover, excessive salt intake may reduce the viscosity of the stomach’s protective mucus layer, weakening its ability to protect the gastric lining. If spicy or cold foods are consumed at this time, the gastric mucosa may become irritated, increasing the risk of inflammation and causing symptoms such as stomach pain and vomiting. Under medical guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets or hydrotalcite (aluminum magnesium carbonate) tablets can be used for treatment.