Sodium Hydration Protocol Calculator

Evidence-based daily hydration baseline plus pre, during, and post-exercise sodium & fluid guidance

This calculator is for educational purposes only and is based on peer-reviewed research. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your hydration or sodium intake, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or other health conditions.

Your Profile

160 lbs

Daily Baseline Hydration

What your body needs every day, before any exercise

Exercise Protocol

Additional hydration for your workout — distribute across pre, during, and post as you prefer

60 min
Start at 1× for basic sweat replacement.

Sweat is only one route of sodium loss. Your body also loses sodium through:

  • Urine — excretion continues throughout and after exercise
  • Respiration — sodium is lost with each exhaled breath
  • Other systems — GI tract and other body processes

If you lose 1,500 mg Na via sweat, total losses may reach 3,000–4,500 mg. The 2–3× multiplier accounts for these additional losses and helps maintain plasma volume, blood pressure, and nerve function.

Caffeine & Salt Wasting

Coffee is a salt waster — account for additional sodium losses from caffeine

0 cups

Daily Total

Your daily baseline plus exercise needs

Research Summary

Pre-exercise Sodium Loading

Sims et al. 2007, J Appl Physiol

High-sodium pre-load expanded plasma volume by +4.4%, improved endurance by approximately 25%, produced lower heart rate, and slowed core temperature rise compared to a low-sodium condition.

Post-exercise Rehydration

Maughan et al. 1997, Br J Sports Med

Restoring 150% of fluid lost is necessary to account for ongoing urine losses after exercise. Including sodium in rehydration fluid is essential for retaining ingested water rather than excreting it.

Sodium & Insulin Sensitivity

23-trial systematic review

Low-sodium diets were consistently linked to increased insulin resistance across multiple studies. Adequate sodium intake supports metabolic health and healthy glucose metabolism.

Product Reference Data

Redmond Real Salt Fine Shaker

1/4 Teaspoon Redmond Real Salt

Sodium~575 mg
SourceAncient sea salt, Utah

Unrefined with 60+ trace minerals. Pair with potassium-rich foods post-exercise: banana, avocado, potato.

Redmond Re-Lyte Strawberry Lemonade

Redmond Re-Lyte (1 scoop, 7 g)

Sodium810 mg
Potassium400 mg
Chloride1,280 mg
Calcium60 mg
Magnesium50 mg
Mix in16–32 oz cold water

More complete multi-electrolyte replacement than plain salt alone. Shown: Strawberry Lemonade flavor.