Does Salt Break A Fast?

More and more, people are wanting to know about their benefits and the different methods of fasting.

Probably the most common question though is what breaks a fast?

Or, what can you consume while fasting?

There are several ways to break a fast depending on the method you’re using.

One method may allow certain things that another wouldn’t.

Overall, there will be many overlaps that guide someone in the right direction.

Here we’ll discuss more fasting, explore how it relates to salt intake, and answer the question, does salt break a fast?

What Is Fasting?

Fasting is the practice of abstaining from consuming food and select drinks.

It has been used across various cultures and throughout the centuries for both religious and therapeutic purposes.

Today, it’s used primarily for weight loss and reducing inflammation.

Does Salt Break A Fast?

Despite salt’s bad reputation for increasing blood pressure and heart disease, salt intake is vital for proper bodily function. Of course, too much salt can cause these conditions. (Source)

Good quality sea salt helps balance electrolytes and promote neurological transmissions, showing it isn’t as bad as it seems.

Though depending on the reason for your fast, it might not be kosher.

But, if it passes the test, sodium is a key component to a successful fast.

One of the more common ways to incorporate salt into a fast is by putting a pinch of sea salt into your drinking water.

Salt Water Fasting

Because you’re not consuming any food, adding salt to your water is an easy way to get the sodium and extra minerals your body needs while fasting.

As well, there are several reasons and benefits for using salt water.

Alleviating constipation, and removing toxins, waste, and parasites from your colon being some of the most common.

There are a few different ways to do this, including designated salt water fast that typically lasts from 24-72 hours.

This type of fast is more prolonged and thoroughly cleans out your colon.

Other lower commitment salt water fasts can be as simple as a salt water flush or cleanse.

You can simply add ground-up salt to warm water and let it dissolve before drinking.

Drinking salt water on an empty stomach at any time of the day helps promote bowel movements, typically done in the morning to kickstart the day.

Regardless of which way you do it, a salt water fast can be rather easy and beneficial for detoxing and getting some extra minerals conducive to a healthy colon.

As well, salt and water are incredibly accessible and don’t require any fancy ingredients or methods, unlike other regimens.

If you’re already concerned about your sodium levels, salt water fasting may not be for you as sodium overload can contribute to increased blood pressure.

It’s always important to check in with your doctor to ensure you are aware of what your body needs and has too much of.

Related: Check out my experience of no food for 40 hours

Which Type Of Salt To Use

From table salt, and black salt, to pink salt, many types leave you asking which type of salt to use for your fast or diet.

Himalayan pink salt is one of the most commonly used in fasting and keto diets as it’s a non-iodized salt.

Iodine is a naturally occurring mineral found in food but is not produced within the body.

Non-iodized salts go completely unprocessed, meaning no additives or extra minerals are involved.

Only naturally occurring minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are found.

Though iodine is important to include in one's diet, added amounts from table salt, for instance, will contribute to the higher blood pressure mentioned earlier.

Himalayan pink salt contains trace amounts of naturally occurring iodine but will be significantly less than regular table salt with additives.

Meaning you won’t have to use much to meet your daily requirements and feel the benefits.

People who are also on a Keto diet will typically opt for Himalayan pink salt because it contains the purest form of salt and is rich in minerals essential for a balanced diet.

How Much Pink Himalayan Salt Per Day On Keto

Sodium intake is crucial for those on the Keto diet.

It can result in headaches, brain fog, fatigue, and several other symptoms without the proper amount. (Source)

As the Keto diet mimics a lot of the principles of fasting, many regimes will cross over to each other.

But, since Keto is a diet, certain measurements will change because of its requirements.

So, how much pink salt should you take daily while on Keto?

Rather than fasting, which typically measures at around half a teaspoon a day, you can increase to around 1-2 teaspoons per day with Himalayan pink salt.

And you can add pink salt to your Keto-approved meals instead of adding it to your water.

Salt isn’t the only thing in question when it comes to breaking a fast, so let’s look at some common FAQs regarding a handful of ingredients.

Related: Check out Keto Diet vs Intermittent Fasting

What Else Breaks A Fast?

The countless questioning can be overwhelming when you’re trying to find the right way too fast.

Conclusion

Salt is an unsuspecting powerful mineral that has developed a bad reputation for being unhealthy.

While too much of anything has the potential for unwanted side effects, salt intake does have stakes in the quality of our health.

Whether or not you choose to do a quick salt water cleanse or a few day-long salt water fast, adding non-iodized salt into your healthcare regime could prove beneficial.

Always check in with your doctor to test your sodium levels to ensure you’re not pushing it with extra salt.