Salt Water Flush: Effectiveness, Risks, And Recipes
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Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS — Written by Lori Smith, MSN, BSN, WHNP-BC and Mia Blake — Updated on October 25, 2024- Overview
- Risks
- Alternatives
- Summary
Some people believe that a saltwater flush can lead to weight loss by cleansing the colon. However, there is no evidence for this, and doing a saltwater flush may pose health risks.
Saltwater flushes can also be dangerous for people with existing medical conditions, pregnant people, children, and parents who are chest or breastfeeding.
Nutrition resources
For more science-backed resources on nutrition, visit our dedicated hub.
What is a saltwater flush?
Share on PinterestA saltwater flush involves drinking warm water mixed with noniodized salt.
Some people think that a saltwater flush can relieve constipation, reduce bloating, cleanse the colon, and promote weight loss.
Proponents claim that during detox programs, such as juicing, toxins are pulled into the colon and require removal. The saltwater flush supposedly aids the colon in purging old fecal material and toxins from the body.
However, the body has effective mechanisms for naturally removing waste and toxins, and a saltwater flush is not necessary.
In fact, a saltwater flush may have serious risks, and some people in the medical community warn against it.
What are the risks of a saltwater flush?
A 2022 article looked at people receiving a solution of noniodized salt water to prepare for a colonoscopy.
They found that ingesting this saltwater flush caused:
- nausea
- severe vomiting
- abdominal pain
- cramping
- dizziness
Ingesting salty water can also be fatal, as the body cannot process too much salt. Excessive sodium intake from a saltwater flush can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
This can lead to potentially serious symptoms, including:
- fatigue
- thirst
- dry skin and lips
- dark urine or decreased urination
- headaches
- fainting
- heart palpitations
- changes in blood pressure
A saltwater flush carries risks and is especially dangerous for people with certain conditions, including high blood pressure, digestive issues, and kidney or heart disease. A high salt intake can adversely affect these conditions.
The body can cleanse and flush itself of toxins and waste without additional help, so it is not necessary for anyone to do a saltwater flush. In particular, people who are pregnant or nursing and children should also avoid a saltwater flush.
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of saltwater flushes.
Alternatives to a saltwater flush
It is important for people to take care when considering colon cleansing with laxatives, pills, teas, and other herbal supplements.
These are typically not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and do not have substantial research to support their use.
Some may interfere with certain medications or have possible serious side effects in some people.
Alternatives to a saltwater cleanse to maintain colon, kidney, liver, and overall health may include:
- eating a high fiber diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes
- taking fiber supplements to help decrease constipation
- avoiding dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- limiting alcohol consumption
- stopping smoking
- exercising regularly
- keeping a moderate body weight
Summary
Saltwater flushes are gaining popularity, and their proponents believe that they can relieve constipation and bloating, remove toxins, and promote weight loss. However, there is no evidence that saltwater flushes are safe or effective for any of these.
Additionally, the body can effectively cleanse itself of waste and toxins without a saltwater flush or other supposed “colon cleansing” methods.
The excessive sodium intake associated with a saltwater flush also poses risks. For this reason, people with high blood pressure, digestive issues, and kidney or heart disease should avoid saline flushes and colon cleanses.
A person should consult a doctor before trying any new home remedies or treatments they find online, as the risks may outweigh the potential benefits.
- GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
- Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
- Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
How we reviewed this article:
SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.- Can humans drink seawater? (2024).https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/drinksw.html
- Changing your habits for better health. (2020).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diet-nutrition/changing-habits-better-health
- Facts about dietary supplements. (2023).https://www.fda.gov/news-events/rumor-control/facts-about-dietary-supplements
- Latos W, et al. (2022). Colonoscopy: Preparation and potential complications.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8947288/
- Sodium reduction. (2023).https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/salt-reduction
- Taylor K, et al. (2022). Adult dehydration.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/
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Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS — Written by Lori Smith, MSN, BSN, WHNP-BC and Mia Blake — Updated on October 25, 2024Latest news
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