Why Does Salt in Water Stop Fasting Shakes?

Salt is great unless a person has hypertension, provided they drink enough water. Neurons depend on sodium rushing into the cell, so the brain and nervous system need enough sodium outside the cell. Nerve cells also need magnesium and potassium. People who overdrink water and do not consume enough electrolyte die.

On the show, an article in Science Magazine from about a decade ago is the reference for how salt had been demonized. Hydration is still key, and enough water plus electrolytes keeps the nervous system functioning well. A lot of people get shaky or jittery while fasting and think they need sugar. Put some salt in some water and they feel fine. Potassium and magnesium belong with salt for nerve cells to work.