The concentration of salt in seawater is much higher than the concentration of salt in your body. When you drink saltwater, your body treats it as if it were a hypertonic solution, which means that it has a higher concentration of solutes than your body fluids. This causes water to move out of your cells and into the seawater in order to equalize the concentrations. This can lead to dehydration and potentially fatal electrolyte imbalances.

Nausea and vomiting

The high concentration of salt in seawater can also cause nausea and vomiting. This is because the salt can irritate your stomach and intestines, causing them to contract and expel their contents.

Diarrhea

Saltwater can also cause diarrhea. This is because the high concentration of salt can draw water into your intestines, which can lead to loose, watery stools.

Confusion and seizures

In severe cases, drinking saltwater can lead to confusion and seizures. This is because the high concentration of salt can disrupt the normal functioning of your brain cells.

Death

In extreme cases, drinking saltwater can be fatal. This is because the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can result from drinking saltwater can be severe enough to cause death.

What to do if you drink saltwater

If you have drunk saltwater, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime, you can try to minimize the effects of the saltwater by drinking plenty of fresh water and eating foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas and oranges.