The idea may seem surprising: why put salt - an ingredient often singled out for its excesses - in your water when you're trying to stay hydrated and look after your health? And yet a tiny pinch of unrefined salt can make a big difference, especially when you're sweating a lot in summer, or doing strenuous physical activity. Here's how.
🔁 Understanding hydration: it's not just a question of water
Our bodies are made up of around 60% water, but this water doesn't circulate on its own. It is accompanied by electrolytes, electrically charged minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Among these, sodium (one of the components of salt) plays a fundamental role. It acts as a regulator, allowing water to remain in the cells and circulate efficiently. Without sodium, drinking a lot of water can paradoxically lead to... poor hydration! This is known as hyponatremia, an imbalance caused by an excess of water over sodium, which can be dangerous in extreme cases.
🧂 The role of salt: a subtle balance
Please note that we're not talking about salting our water like soup! A tiny amount of salt, barely a pinch (1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon for a litre of water), is enough.
The idea is to recreate naturally mineralised water, similar to that found in certain springs. This type of water :
- Improves cellular absorption of water, by facilitating the passage of water through cell membranes.
- Helps regulate body temperature, especially in hot weather.
- Helps prevent cramps and fatigue linked to dehydration.
- Compensates for electrolyte losses during perspiration.
🌿 Salt, but not just any salt
It's best to use unrefined salt, rich in natural minerals:
- 🌊 Unrefined grey sea salt
- 🏔 Pink Himalayan salt
- 🌋 Black lava salt (less common but rich in sulphur)
These salts contain not only sodium, but also beneficial trace elements such as magnesium, potassium and zinc.
🧴 Bonus: a salty... and flavoured water
For an even more effective (and enjoyable!) homemade hydrating drink, you can add:
- 🍋 A dash of lemon juice (rich in vitamin C and potassium)
- 🍯 A teaspoon of honey (a natural source of energy)
- 🍃 A few mint leaves (refreshing effect)
- 🧂 A pinch of natural salt
This mixture makes a natural isotonic drink, perfect for replacing industrial drinks that are too sweet and often lacking in real minerals.
⚠️ In Brief
Adding a tiny pinch of salt to your water can :
✅ Improve your hydration
✅ Prevent electrolyte imbalances
✅ Support your energy and vitality
✅ Be particularly useful in hot weather, physical activity or heavy sweating
But it's no substitute for a balanced diet and constant hydration throughout the day. And of course, if you suffer from high blood pressure or are on a medically prescribed low-salt diet, ask your healthcare professional for advice.