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A saltwater flush may trigger a bowel movement. But it may also cause a sodium overload.
A saltwater flush is used to cleanse your colon, treat chronic constipation, and help detox your body. It became a popular trend as part of the Master Cleanse detox and fasting program.
A saltwater flush involves drinking a mixture of warm water and non-iodized salt. Drinking salt and warm water has a laxative effect. It usually causes urgent bowel movements within 30 minutes to an hour, although it may take longer.
Advocates of this process believe the procedure helps remove toxins, old waste material, and parasites that may be lurking inside the colon. But before jumping on the saltwater flush bandwagon there are several things you should keep in mind.
There’s little doubt that, in most cases, a saltwater flush is effective in the short-term at cleansing the colon by causing bowel movements. Still, there’s no scientific evidence that a saltwater flush detoxes the body or removes so-called waste buildup and parasites from your digestive tract.
Anecdotal evidence is plentiful, however. The internet is full of salt flush testimonies — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Although these may be interesting reads, specific success rates are difficult to come by.
A 2010 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that alternating drinking lukewarm salt water and doing specific yoga postures effectively cleansed the bowel in preparation for colonoscopy. It’s unclear if drinking lukewarm salt water alone would have the same results.
Try a saltwater flush if:
- you’re chronically constipated
- you’re experiencing irregular bowel movements
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There aren’t any official medical guidelines about who is a candidate for a saltwater flush. Supporters recommend the procedure for people who are chronically constipated or who are experiencing irregular bowel movements. The flush may also be recommended as part of a detox diet or juice fast.
Check out: The Master Cleanse Diet (Lemon Detox Diet) »
The unofficial standard procedure for a saltwater flush is to:
- Dissolve two teaspoons of non-iodized sea salt (such as Pink Himalayan sea salt) in one quart (four cups) of warm water.
- Add lemon juice to improve the taste, if desired.
- Drink the mixture as quickly as possible on an empty stomach.
You should feel the urge to have a bowel movement shortly after drinking the saltwater mixture.
A saltwater flush is typically done first thing in the morning, upon waking. It may also be performed in the evening, a few hours after your last meal. It doesn’t matter what time of day you do the flush as long as it’s done on an empty stomach.
Don’t plan on running errands or exercising for a few hours after drinking the salt water. You’re likely to have multiple, urgent bowel movements. So, you shouldn’t venture too far from a toilet.
Risks:
- Drinking salt water on an empty stomach may cause nausea and vomiting.
- A saltwater flush may increase your risk of sodium overload.
- Sodium overload may lead to high blood pressure.
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Drinking salt water on an empty stomach may cause nausea and vomiting. You may also experience cramping, bloating, and dehydration. Colon cleansing in general may cause an electrolyte imbalance due to the rapid loss of sodium and fluids.
This may lead to:
- muscle spasms
- weakness
- confusion
- irregular heartbeat
- seizures
- blood pressure problems
Although most people experience bowel movements after a saltwater flush, some people don’t. A saltwater flush may increase your risk of sodium overload. This may lead to high blood pressure.
Don’t do a saltwater flush if you have:
- heart problems
- diabetes
- edema
- kidney problems
- high blood pressure
- gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease
It’s unclear how a saltwater flush impacts your microbiome, the community of microbes that includes the good and bad bacteria that live in your gut. There’s no scientific evidence that a saltwater flush helps or harms your microbiome. In theory, it may alter its balance.
According to research in
Juice fasts, detox teas, and laxative pills are alternative ways to purge the colon. They may cause urgent bowel movements, but there’s no scientific evidence that they remove toxins or help manage constipation over the long term. They may be dangerous for some people.
The best way to cleanse your colon and detox your body is to support your body’s natural detoxifying organs: the liver and kidneys. They filter out toxins from your blood so your body can eliminate them through your bowels or kidneys. You can show your liver and kidneys some TLC by:
- drinking plenty of water
- taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications as prescribed
- eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
- curbing your consumption of alcohol
- limiting your exposure to toxic substances in cleaning products, pesticides, insecticides, and personal care products
- not smoking
- maintaining a healthy weight
- managing your blood pressure
- exercising regularly
Increasing your intake of soluble and insoluble fiber helps keep your bowels running smoothly. Eating more fiber probably won’t give you the immediate results that you’ll get from a saltwater flush, but it may help you better manage chronic constipation.
A saltwater flush will probably cause urgent bowel movements and cleanse your colon. Unless you have a serious medical condition or you’re pregnant, a single flush is unlikely to do serious harm, although you may feel lousy for a while. You shouldn’t do saltwater flushes regularly.
Because a saltwater flush and other types of colon cleanses are unpredictable and may be dangerous, don’t fall for the hype. Instead, do all you can to support your body’s natural cleansing systems and rely on them to keep toxins at bay. If you want to try a saltwater cleanse, talk to your doctor first to determine if it’s a safe option for you.
Greetings, fellow health enthusiasts! As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of health and wellness, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. My commitment to staying abreast of the latest research, coupled with a dedication to promoting evidence-based practices, positions me as a reliable source in the field.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of the article you provided on the topic of saltwater flushes. This article, likely aimed at individuals seeking information on cleansing techniques, scrutinizes the efficacy and potential risks associated with saltwater flushes. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts discussed:
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Healthline's Vetting Process: The article begins by emphasizing Healthline's commitment to providing trustworthy information. The publication claims to only recommend products and brands that undergo rigorous evaluation. This includes scrutinizing ingredients, fact-checking health claims against scientific evidence, and assessing the integrity and industry adherence of the brand.
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Saltwater Flush Overview: The article introduces the saltwater flush as a method used for colon cleansing, treating chronic constipation, and aiding in detoxification. It gained popularity through the Master Cleanse detox and fasting program. The flush involves consuming a mixture of warm water and non-iodized salt, with the intention of inducing a laxative effect and prompting urgent bowel movements.
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Scientific Evidence and Anecdotal Reports: The article acknowledges the effectiveness of a saltwater flush in inducing short-term bowel movements but emphasizes the lack of scientific evidence supporting the detoxification claims. Anecdotal evidence, found abundantly on the internet, is mentioned, highlighting the diverse range of personal experiences with salt flushes.
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Candidates for Saltwater Flush: The article suggests that there are no official medical guidelines for who should consider a saltwater flush. However, it is recommended for individuals dealing with chronic constipation or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, it might be proposed as part of a detox diet or juice fast.
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Procedure for Saltwater Flush: The standard procedure for a saltwater flush involves dissolving non-iodized sea salt in warm water, optionally adding lemon juice for taste, and consuming it quickly on an empty stomach. Urgent bowel movements are expected to follow shortly.
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Risks and Warnings: Potential risks associated with saltwater flushes are discussed, including nausea, vomiting, cramping, bloating, and dehydration. The article highlights the risk of sodium overload, which may lead to high blood pressure. Individuals with specific health conditions are advised against undergoing saltwater flushes.
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Microbiome Impact: The impact of saltwater flushes on the gut microbiome is acknowledged as unclear. While there's no scientific evidence indicating harm or benefit, it is theorized that the balance of the microbiome may be altered.
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Alternatives to Saltwater Flush: The article mentions alternative methods for colon cleansing, such as juice fasts, detox teas, and laxative pills. However, it emphasizes the lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy and cautions about potential dangers.
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Natural Detoxification: The article concludes by recommending the support of the body's natural detoxifying organs, the liver and kidneys. Tips include maintaining hydration, a healthy diet, limiting exposure to toxins, and adopting a lifestyle that promotes overall well-being.
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Caution and Consultation: The bottom line emphasizes that while a saltwater flush may provide immediate results, it is not recommended for regular use due to unpredictability and potential risks. Readers are advised to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting a saltwater cleanse.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of saltwater flushes, combining scientific scrutiny with practical advice for readers interested in colon cleansing methods.
