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Is salt water healthy? 7 benefits of the drink

There are many benefits of drinking salt water such as helping you deal with cold and cough as well as weight loss. Here's how it helps you.
Written by: Aayushi Gupta
Updated On: 5 Mar 2025, 05:29 pm IST
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A glass of salt water
Salt water helps to flush out toxins. Image courtesy: Freepik

Warm salt water is generally known as a home remedy for cold and cough. However, there are many other benefits of drinking salt water.We all need a small amount of sodium or salt to maintain proper fluid function and electrolyte levels in the body. Mixing salt in water and drinking promotes hydration, electrolyte balance and digestion. Drinking salt water can also help you strengthen the immune system. Check out the other ways this drink can help you keep healthy, and aid overall wellbeing.

7 health benefits of drinking salt water

A pinch of salt added to a glass of warm water can help you in many ways. Here are the benefits of drinking salt water.

1. Rehydration and electrolyte balance

Drinking water in any form helps you stay hydrated but drinking salt water helps maintain the right electrolyte balance as well. General physician Dr Sumol Ratna, explains, “To function at its best, the human body needs a precise balance of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. So, when you consume salt water in moderation, it can help replenish these essential electrolytes lost during physical activity, in hot conditions, or illness.” Your muscles, nerves and bodily systems will function more effectively if you drink salt water.

Salt and a glass of water
Drinking salt water every day has a lot of benefits. Image courtesy: Freepik

2. Promotes digestive health

One of the biggest benefits of drinking salt water is that, when consumed in moderation, salt water can help promote better digestion. A 2010 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that salt water can help with bowel movements. It may increase the secretion of digestive fluids, which will aid in the breakdown of food in the stomach and enhance the absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, it helps keep the stomach’s pH level regulated, which is necessary for the best possible digestion.

3. Detoxification

The benefit of adding salt to drinking water is that it has detoxifying properties, which can help flush out toxic compounds from your body via sweating. In addition, salt water can activate the kidneys and liver, which helps the body eliminate waste. This can result in improved overall health and well-being.

4. Good for skin

One of the best benefits of drinking salt water is that it can also improve your skin health. When applied topically, salt water can help exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, reducing acne, psoriasis, and eczema symptoms. But when you drink salt water, it may contribute to clearer and healthier skin by helping to balance the body’s pH levels, reducing inflammation, and eliminating toxins.

Also read: Getting smooth skin is super easy when you wash your face with salt water

5. Prevents respiratory problems

When our throat feels a little irritated, our moms always suggest gargling with warm salt water and drinking it. This is one of the best benefits of drinking salt water. According to an in vivo study, salt water blocks the responses of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, and proinflammatory cytokines, which can also cause an allergic reaction. Dr Ratna also says, “Salt water helps to break down mucus, lessen inflammation, and reduce discomfort, which enhances overall lung and respiratory function, making it a potential home remedy for colds, allergies, and other respiratory ailments.

6. Boosts weight loss

Not directly but drinking salt water in moderation may indirectly help with weight management. It may help cleanse your digestive system and eliminate toxins and waste, which can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. There are many benefits of drinking salt water in the morning, this being one.

7. Stress reduction

The soothing and calming effects of salt water are well known. It helps promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Dr Ratna says, “The minerals in salt water, such as magnesium, have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping you feel more at ease and improving your mental well-being.”

salt water
Salt water can help you flush out the toxins from your body. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Is warm salt water better than normal salt water?

Drinking salt water is generally good for your health. However, warm salt water is often recommended for its soothing and therapeutic effects. It can help with digestion, respiratory issues and stress reduction. It can be used as a home remedy to treat sore and irritated throat due to allergies or colds. Ensure that the salt is dissolved completely before drinking to avoid any discomfort or irritation. Also, drink it in moderation.

While there are several health benefits of drinking seawater, moderation is key. Drinking too much salt can cause many health issues, such as elevated blood pressure and reduced kidney function.

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Related FAQs

How much salt should you add in water?

Adding a pinch of salt to warm water will give you the best results.

Can salt water burn fat?

While it does not help in burning fat directly, this drink can eliminate toxins and contribute to weight management.

Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and authentic information to support your health and well-being. However, the content on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your specific medical condition or concerns.

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About The Author
Aayushi Gupta
Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information.

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