Is there any benefit from drinking normal saline?

Answer 1

Normal Saline is generally ONLY given as fluid replacement when under the care of a physician in a hospital or E.R. In normally healthy persons, there is absolutely NO reason to drink "normal saline". The drinks and foods we consume each contain enough saline, electrolytes, and other needed nutrition that the body needs for daily requirements. Therefore, it is 100% UNnecessary to take anything labeled "normal saline."

MOST importantly, drinking Normal Saline can make a healthy person very, very ill. It can disrupt the body's normal homeostasis-- that is, the body's natural balance. Certain hormones and electrolytes operate on an inverse system, meaning, if one drops a little low, the 2nd one increases. These 'pairs' help keep both balanced for a body's needs. One 'pair' operating on an inverse system is the relationship between Sodium (Na chemically) and Potassium (K+). Both of these are important for heart function, but if Potassium is knocked out of balance, it can affect the way your heart heats-- its conductivity. So if you drink more sodium than you need, it shoots the potassium down very low. Some of these imbalances can cause the heart to flutter, to beat harder but slower, and can even stop the heart because the heart muscle can't pump effectively.

So, unless directed by a physician to drink Normal Saline, please don't do it.

One common occurence is that a dentist recommends rinsing the mouth with "salt water". In true normal saline, there is a percise balance between Sodium and water. But in "salt water", the salt mixture may be too high or too low to qualify as being "normal" saline. Drinking mixes with high salt content CAN disrupt the body's normal balance of electrolytes, so if your dentist suggests swishing with "salt water", follow these tips:

• Use a pinch of salt to 1 full glass of water, at least 4 ounces
• Swish, don't swallow
• Spit out after swishing, don't swallow
• Give the salt mixture 30 to 45 minutes to do its intended job, which is to help healing after extraction; help the healing of inflammed gums; help remove food debris without brushing over an open gum; etc.
• Within 1 hour, drink a glass of plain water to help your body normalize the extra salt

Once again, never drink "Normal Saline" unless directed to by your physician. Only use "salt water" if you've discussed it with your dentist.

Answer 2

No saline is quit hypertonic and if taken orally can lead to death .