In recent years, the idea of drinking warm salt water every morning has gained popularity as a health trend, often touted for its supposed benefits on digestion, hydration, and overall well-being. The practice, sometimes referred to as a ‘salt water flush,’ is believed by some to help detoxify the body, improve digestion, and even enhance skin health. Curious about these claims, I decided to try it for myself and see what changes, if any, I would experience.
Over the course of two days, I committed to drinking a glass of warm salt water first thing in the morning. My goal was to observe any immediate effects on my digestion, energy levels, and overall feeling of well-being. What follows is a detailed account of my experience, from the surprising initial reactions to the more subtle changes that occurred within just 48 hours.
1. Why I Decided To Try Warm Salt Water Every Morning
The decision to start drinking warm salt water every morning was driven by the numerous anecdotal accounts I came across online. Many people claimed that it helped them kickstart their digestion and alleviate issues like bloating and constipation. Being someone who occasionally struggles with sluggish digestion, especially in the morning, I was intrigued by the possibility of a natural remedy that could help.
Additionally, the simplicity of the method was appealing. It required no special ingredients—just water and salt, both of which I already had at home. I decided to use Himalayan pink salt based on several recommendations I read, which suggested that it contains trace minerals that could be beneficial.
2. The Exact Salt-Water Mix I Used (And What Doctors Recommend)
For my experiment, I followed a commonly recommended recipe: 1 teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt dissolved in a glass (approximately 8 ounces) of warm water. The idea was to drink this mixture on an empty stomach each morning. I chose Himalayan pink salt because it is often mentioned in health circles for its mineral content and purported benefits.
Doctors generally advise caution when it comes to salt water consumption due to potential risks like dehydration or high blood pressure. However, in small, controlled amounts, some suggest it might be safe for short-term use. To be safe, I decided to limit my trial to just two days and monitored myself closely for any adverse effects.
3. The Very First Morning: An Unexpected Shock To My System
On the first morning, I prepared my glass of warm salt water and took a cautious sip. The taste was, as expected, quite salty and slightly off-putting. Nevertheless, I managed to drink the entire glass in a few gulps. Almost immediately, I felt a mild queasiness in my stomach, not unlike the sensation one might get after drinking a salty broth.
Within about 30 minutes, I noticed an increase in bowel activity, which was both surprising and a bit uncomfortable. It was clear that the salt water had indeed stimulated my digestive system. I had to make an unexpected trip to the bathroom, which left me feeling a bit uneasy about the rest of my day.
4. What Happened To My Digestion Within 48 Hours
By the second day, my digestive system seemed to have acclimated somewhat to the morning salt water ritual. The initial queasiness was less pronounced, though the urge to visit the bathroom shortly after drinking remained consistent. It was clear that the salt water was having a noticeable effect on my digestion, quite possibly helping to flush out my system.
Interestingly, I did notice a reduction in the feeling of bloating that I sometimes experience in the mornings. My stomach felt flatter and less distended, which was a pleasant surprise and one of the benefits I had hoped to achieve.
5. Did It Actually Help Me Poop? The Bathroom Results
Yes, the warm salt water did have a significant impact on my bowel movements. On both days, I experienced a more urgent need to use the bathroom shortly after consumption. The effect was quite powerful, akin to taking a gentle laxative. This was both a positive and a negative, as it meant I had to stay close to facilities for a while after drinking.
For anyone struggling with constipation, this could potentially be a beneficial side effect. However, I would caution against relying on it too heavily, as the long-term effects on one’s digestive system are not well-documented.
6. Bloating, Belly Bloat, And How My Stomach Felt After Two Days
One of the most noticeable effects after two days was a reduction in my usual morning bloating. My stomach felt lighter and less puffy, which contributed to a general sense of well-being. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to try the salt water, and I was pleased to see this benefit manifest so quickly.
While the effect on bloating was positive, it’s worth noting that the initial discomfort and queasiness made the process less enjoyable. It’s a trade-off that some might find worth it, especially if bloating is a frequent issue.
7. Energy Levels, Brain Fog, And That Mid-Morning Slump
Interestingly, I did notice a slight improvement in my energy levels and mental clarity throughout the morning. While it wasn’t a dramatic change, I felt like I had a bit more pep in my step and was able to focus more easily on tasks.
This could be attributed to the increased hydration from the water or possibly the minerals in the salt. However, it’s also possible that the mere act of trying something new and being more mindful of my morning routine contributed to the feeling of increased energy.
8. The Surprising Impact On My Skin And Hydration
While two days is a short time to expect major changes in skin appearance, I did feel that my skin was slightly more hydrated and less dry than usual. This could be due to the increased water intake, as staying hydrated is known to benefit skin health.
There were no dramatic changes to report, but the subtle improvement in hydration was a nice bonus. It’s possible that with longer use, more significant benefits could be observed.
9. The Side Effects I Didn’t See Coming
One of the main side effects I experienced was the initial queasiness and mild discomfort in my stomach. This was more pronounced on the first day but did not completely disappear on the second. Additionally, the frequent trips to the bathroom, while expected, were somewhat inconvenient.
Another unexpected observation was a slight increase in thirst throughout the day. This could be due to the salt content, which might have led to a temporary imbalance in hydration levels.
10. What Experts Say About The Viral Salt Water Hack
Experts often caution against the regular consumption of salt water due to potential health risks. The increased sodium intake can be a concern, especially for those with high blood pressure or kidney issues. However, some practitioners of alternative medicine suggest that occasional use, when done correctly, can be safe and even beneficial for some individuals.
It’s important to approach such trends with a critical eye and consult with a healthcare professional before trying them, particularly if you have underlying health conditions.
11. Who Should Definitely Avoid This Morning Ritual
Individuals with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart problems should avoid drinking salt water due to the increased sodium content, which can exacerbate these conditions. Pregnant women and those with gastrointestinal disorders should also exercise caution.
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new health trend, especially if it involves altering your diet or consuming substances that could have adverse effects.
12. Would I Keep Drinking Warm Salt Water? My Honest Verdict After Two Days
After two days of drinking warm salt water, I found the experience to be a mixed bag. While I did notice some positive effects on my digestion and bloating, the initial discomfort and inconvenience of frequent bathroom visits were significant drawbacks.
Ultimately, I might consider using this method occasionally when I feel particularly bloated or constipated, but I don’t see myself incorporating it into my daily routine. The potential risks and side effects, coupled with the mild benefits, make it something I would approach with caution and moderation in the future.
