Certain body cells make more of a chemical called hypochlorous acid when they're fighting a virus and there's extra salt around, which can be measured with special tools.

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Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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Antiviral innate immune response in non-myeloid cells is augmented by chloride ions via an increase in intracellular hypochlorous acid levels

Cross-Sectional Study

In Vitro

2018 Sep 11

The study shows that salt helps certain body cells make more bleach-like acid to fight viruses, just like the claim says.

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Source Study

Antiviral innate immune response in non-myeloid cells is augmented by chloride ions via an increase in intracellular hypochlorous acid levels

Score: 5

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31936-y

Similar Assertions

Salty water might help your body's cells fight off viruses better by boosting natural defenses, which could explain why saline treatments work in some medical trials, but more research is needed to be sure.

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When you get a virus, your breathing cells need a certain chemical (chloride) to make a germ-fighting acid. If there's not enough of this chemical, your body might not fight off the virus as well.

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