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Hydration, Kidney Health, and a Pinch of Sea Salt

Hydration, Kidney Health, and a Pinch of Sea Salt

by Teri Storey3 min read
Herbal MedicineHerbal MedicineNutrition
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A Simple Morning Ritual

Sometimes, the simplest remedies are the most powerful. Recently, someone asked, “Will a pinch of sea salt in water facilitate hydration, especially in dealing with kidney function?”

The short answer: Yes, it can—if used wisely.

Adding a small pinch of high-quality sea salt (like unrefined sea salt or Himalayan pink salt) to your water helps the body retain fluid, balance electrolytes, and support kidney function, especially in times of inflammation or stress.

Here’s why this works:

  • Electrolyte Balance: Sea salt contains trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are key for maintaining cellular hydration.

  • Water Retention (the good kind): Sodium helps the body keep water inside cells and the bloodstream, preventing rapid loss through urination—this is crucial for kidney filtration, especially when blood volume is low.

  • Kidney Support: In cases like mild dehydration, early stages of gout, or sluggish filtration, this small hydration trick can ease the burden on the kidneys.

But like all good things—moderation matters. If you're already on a high-sodium diet, or if you’re managing hypertension or diagnosed kidney disease, talk to your healthcare provider before adjusting sodium intake.


DIY Hydration Booster: Sole Morning Tonic

This “hydration kickstarter” is sometimes referred to as sole water—a mineral-rich morning drink traditionally used to wake up the digestive and lymphatic systems.

Ingredients:

  • 8–16 oz filtered water (room temperature)

  • 1 small pinch (⅛ tsp or less) unrefined sea salt or Himalayan salt

  • Juice of ¼ lemon or a splash of raw apple cider vinegar (optional)

  • 1 tsp raw honey (optional, for flavor and added enzymes)

Instructions:

  1. Add the salt to your water, stir until dissolved.

  2. Add lemon or vinegar if using.

  3. Optional: add honey and stir until blended.

  4. Sip slowly in the morning on an empty stomach.

This gentle blend supports:

  • Morning hydration

  • Kidney filtration

  • Electrolyte balance

  • Mild detoxification and digestive wake-up


For Arthritis, Gout, and Inflammation

Ingredients like Urtica urens (nettle), Apium graveolens (celery seed), Scutellaria baicalensis, and Angelica sinensis were shown to improve kidney perfusion, uric acid elimination, and inflammation​ARTHRITIS RESEARCH. You can complement this hydration drink with supportive herbs in teas or tinctures for added anti-inflammatory support.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am not a licensed medical professional, and the content shared here reflects my personal research, learning, and opinions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new health regimen, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medications. Herbal remedies and natural approaches can be powerful tools, but they are not one-size-fits-all. Use discernment, do your own research, and seek professional guidance as needed. I am not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of information provided.

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