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Anita Hassanandani likes to start her day with one litre of water and a bit of salt. “I drink a litre of water with a very little bit of salt. Very little… That’s how I start my day,” Hassanandani shared on Instagram.
Hassanandani, who follows a Keto diet, added that she indulges in a Keto brownie in the evenings. “I just love desserts. So, the evening snack — which I am allowed to have with a little bit of stevia, not sugar because Keto doesn’t allow you sugar — is a Keto brownie with stevia,” said Hassanandani.
Intrigued by her choice of having water and salt in the morning, we decided to learn more.
Experts said the practice is believed to have surprising benefits for the body. “It will hydrate the body after a good night’s sleep and the salt will also help replenish electrolytes and improve the digestion process,” said Dr Jinendra Jain, consultant physician, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road.
Adding, Reshma A M, consultant nutrition, SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru. said that those who follow the Keto diet experience a loss of electrolytes due to reduced insulin levels, which can lead to the excretion of more sodium. “So the water-salt combo helps in replenishing the reduced sodium levels,” she told indianexpress.com.
However, one should keep in mind that anything in excess is harmful for health.
Adding too much salt increases the risk of dehydration or can even raise one’s blood pressure which can further lead to cardiac problems, noted Dr Jain. “Hence, it is better to drink plain water. In case you wish to add salt to your water, it is better to consult an expert who can guide you regarding the quantity,” said Dr Jain.
Reshma said that consuming salt water on an empty stomach can cause stomach irritation or nausea in some people, and an increased sodium intake can lead to water retention and bloating.
Being vigilant about the salt levels in drinking water is important to safeguard your well-being and prevent unnecessary health complications in the future. Dr Jain stated that one should be cautious when it comes to adding salt to water as what may suit one may not necessarily be beneficial for all. “Anything done in excess has its repercussions. Make informed choices when it comes to your health instead of hopping on trends,” Dr Jain cautioned.
It would be best to keep track of your blood pressure and overall health, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. “Ensure you are getting a well-rounded intake of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fibre,” said Reshma.
