Do you ever wonder why some health and fitness-oriented folk swear by putting organic Himalayan rock salt (or even just regular salt) in the water they drink? It sounds rather counterintuitive, given that we’re often advised to reduce our salt intake, but there are some genuine benefits if we do this correctly.
Here’s a closer look at the different ways your health can improve when you add a wee bit of salt to your drinking water.
The Health Benefits of Mixing Salt In Water
Regardless of whether you’re using organic Himalayan salt or not, there are some advantages to adding them to water, such as:
Restore Your Electrolyte Levels
Salt contains sodium, which is a type of electrolyte. These play important roles in muscle and nerve health and cellular function as a whole. By drinking water with salt, you can help replenish the minerals lost during exercise or when sweating profusely in hot weather.
Improve Digestion
Prone to indigestion? Salt helps stimulate digestive enzymes that help break down food and absorb nutrients more effectively. This relieves issues like bloating and irregular bowel movements.
Get a Better Night’s Sleep
Salt helps your body replenish its electrolyte levels and maintains the balance of fluids in your systems. It keeps us from waking up due to thirst or muscle cramps.
What Type of Salt Should You Use?
While it’s tempting to just settle for table salt, that type isn’t the healthiest option available out there. It would be best to go for unrefined varieties, like organic Himalayan rock salt. These aren’t heavily processed, bleached, and treated with anti-caking agents, making them healthier than regular salt.
Furthermore, unrefined salt isn’t heavily linked to health issues like hypertension and heart disease — though moderation is still important.
Infographic: Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt
Precautions When Adding Salt to Water
Check With a Doctor
If your daily diet already has sufficient amounts of sodium, you may not need to put salt in your water anymore. You may consult a dietitian or your family doctor for advice if you’re still keen on having salted water. Some people with conditions like kidney disease should avoid consuming too much salt.
Stick to Small Amounts
Even if you’re using organic Himalayan salt and not table salt, you shouldn’t add more than a pinch or around ¼ teaspoon per litre of water. This is already enough to replenish your electrolytes without the risk of developing health issues.
If the water tastes too salty, that means you’ve added too much. The right amount should barely be noticeable for your taste buds.
Your Source of Salt is Also Important
The quality of salt used in the water directly affects how effective this practice is. For the best results, choose salts that come from ethical and sustainable suppliers. They can give you more peace of mind that what you’re using is free from additives and other unwanted substances.
You can try searching in organic shops first. They’re more likely to stock up on high-quality options, including Himalayan. Of course, you could also check your local supermarkets, but you should review their labels much more carefully to be more certain that you’re buying something genuine and healthy.
A Small Pinch Can Boost Your Health
As we’ve learned here, mixing salt into your drinking water can go a long way to supporting your well-being. But this only works best if you do it moderately with salts that aren’t heavily processed, like organic Himalayan rock salt. Just remember to use it in small increments, and you’re good to go.
With simple but healthy habits like these, you can make lasting changes to your health for years to come!
Watch: Warm Salt Water for Weight Loss: Why salt and water combination is good for health?
*Video courtesy of TheHealthSite.com on YouTube