Drink This Every Morning

I adopted the habit of drinking salt water because I saw my mom do it every morning for digestive reasons and because I heard it recommended on the HubermanLab podcast. But it wasn’t until I started doing it consistently and taking a look at the effect this had in my training sessions and even helping me curate hunger levels, that I continued to further experiment with this mixture and its surprisingly many benefits.

Drinking salt water infused with lemon can offer a multitude of advantages. These benefits are even more pronounced when lemon juice is added to the mix. From alleviating joint pain to achieving healthier skin, the list of advantages is extensive.

Digestive Relief

I’ve fallen victim to poorly times stomach aches, so I know that if you've ever suffered from inconvenient stomach discomfort, you'll appreciate that lemon salt water can enhance digestion and prevent constipation.

The combination of salt's natural absorption properties with the sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium found in lemon juice enables the body to absorb minerals more efficiently, thereby improving hydration and maintaining electrolyte balance throughout the day or a training session.

Additionally, lemon juice's potassium content contributes to increased energy levels and a boosted metabolism.

Moreover, according to findings in Natural Health Magazine, a mere whiff of lemon can elevate feel-good hormones and reduce stress levels.

A Solution For Skin Woes

Like with stomach aches, I’ve also lost my fair share of battles to acne.
Turns out, the discovery of the lemon salt water mixture's skin benefits could have saved a significant amount of money on skincare treatments.
This elixir **promotes radiant skin, combats acne, and reduces cellular toxicity by drawing impurities away from the skin.**

For Everyone Everyday

Whether you're an avid athlete or a self-proclaimed couch potato, if you're interested in maintaining gut health and enjoying the perks of glowing skin, this morning ritual is suitable for all. But, it's worth noting that active individuals, especially those who exercise frequently in warm climates, can experience performance-enhancing benefits from consuming lemon salt water just before their training sessions.

Timing is Key

To maximize the benefits of lemon salt water, consume it first thing in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach (although watch out for stomach refluxes). This allows the body to fully absorb and digest the mixture, compensating for the approximately 1 liter of water lost during sleep.

Your New Pre-Workout?

Regarding exercise benefits, consider swapping your potentially questionable pre-workout supplements for a dependable glass of lemon salt water.
Research indicates that **consuming salt water before exercising can boost blood volume, enhance blood circulation, extend workout durations, and naturally improve water retention and muscle contraction.**
This prevents muscle cramps and augments blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscles.

Don't Get Too Salty

Remember to practice moderation and not substitute lemon salt water for a meal. Excessive salt intake, particularly on an empty stomach, can lead to bloating, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, cramps, and even kidney damage. Therefore, it's wise to experiment with moderation and consult a healthcare professional if you have any preexisting medical conditions.

8. My Recipe

When I have all the ingredients on hand, my recipe includes (I swear it only takes me like 30 seconds to do):

¼ teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt
¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons of lemon extract
A Touch of honey (P.S. I take it by itself at the end as a mouth cleanser)
Added to 8 ounces of water (P.S. water could also be warmed up to reduce acid refluxes)

For times when I lack some of the ingredients, which is often the case, I use ¼ teaspoon of regular salt and a squeeze of lemon juice in 8 ounces of water.

In a Few Words

Regardless of what science suggests, I stumbled upon the benefits of this mixture through personal experimentation. And, aside from the listed benefits, I've also experienced the perk of not having to rush to the restroom every five minutes. So, why not give it a try and reap the rewards?

Sources

https://www.lifequestnursinghome.org/2015/04/7-benefits-of-starting-your-day-with-lemon-water/