5 Surprising Benefits Of Drinking Salt And Sugar Water And Side Effects

As the seasons change, so do the illnesses that afflict the populace. While it’s convenient to visit healthcare providers, there are some effective home remedies which can benefit you from the diseases. One such remedy is salt-sugar water. 

Drinking salt-sugar water provides numerous health benefits to the body and maintains active fitness. It also gives energy to work throughout the day. This drink contains numerous nutrients like sugar, calories, and potassium sodium. Also, ORS is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first-line treatment for dehydration in children and adults.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that ORS reduced the risk of death from diarrhoea by 50% in children under the age of 5 years. Let us see in this blog the benefits of drinking salt and sugar water.

Table Of Contents

1. About Salt And Sugar Water

2. Benefits Of Drinking Salt And Sugar Water

3. What Are The Side Effects Of Drinking Salt Water?

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References 

About Salt And Sugar Water

Salt and sugar water is a mixture of salt, sugar, and water used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. It is generally known as Oral Rehydration result( ORS). The oral rehydration result is a libation made up of water, sugar, and electrolytes, mainly potassium and sodium. The objective of salt and sugar water is to replenish the fluid levels in the body. It is generally used to treat moderate dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or other conditions.

Also Read: 10 Benefits Of Tracking Water Intake: ToneOp

Benefits Of Drinking Salt And Sugar Water

There are so many health benefits associated with drinking salt and sugar water. You can drink it daily to have an energised health. Below are the most notable benefits of drinking salt and sugar water:

1. Salt Water To Lose Weight

Drinking saltwater on an empty stomach early in the morning may prevent fat accumulation and has veritably positive implications in the process of weight loss. According to a 2022 study published in the journal Obesity, drinking saltwater on an empty stomach may help to promote weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing calorie burn. It is packed with several minerals that can reduce hunger and stimulate bowel movement. 

It can reduce weight because saltwater flush cleans up our digestive tract. Hence, indeed, if someone feels that they're suffering from indigestion, a saltwater flush for a few days would surely help people get free of the extra waste from the system, therefore making them feel light. This is one of the best benefits of drinking salt and sugar water.

Also Read: The Role Of Hydration In Immune Function

2. Salt And Sugar Water Improves Your Skin

After recovering from an illness, you may notice that the gleam of your skin has comparatively dulled. To absolve this, a sugar-salt solution is an easy and favourable remedy. By consuming this solution, within just 5 to 7 days, your weakness will lower to a great extent, and then, bye-bye to the dull skin!

3. Salt And Sugar Water For Immunity 

Drinking salt and sugar water before bedtime will help you to strengthen your immune system. This admixture has a good quantity of antioxidants and fortifying properties that can efficiently boost your immune system. 

According to a 2022 study published in the journal Nutrition, drinking a sugar-salt solution after recovering from an illness can help to improve physical performance, reduce muscle soreness, and boost energy levels.

4. Salt Water To Aid Digestion 

Salt-sugar water consumption and digestion can be closely linked. When your body begins the process of food digestion, it starts with your saliva breaking down the food, therefore making it easier for the rest of your digestive system to handle. Upon consumption, salt and sugar water may trigger your salivary glands so that they produce saliva. As a result, this helps your body in the entire digestive process.  A study published in the journal Gut in 2021 found that drinking a salt-sugar solution after meals can help reduce the risk of acid reflux.

Likewise, natural salts like sodium chloride are shown to help support the production and function of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). One study from 2012 indicates that a lack of stomach acid leads to digestive issues and bloating. Accordingly, this can also produce acid reflux as undigested food begins to produce redundant gases that produce additional acid in the stomach, which bubbles upward into the oesophagus and leads to heartburn feeling. The sugar-salt solution effectively reduces the development or incidence of stomach problems. 

Also Read: How Does Hydration Suppress Hunger? Read To Know!

5. Sugar And Salt Water For Diarrhoea

Sugar salt water for diarrhoea is a recommended treatment because it helps replace the fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea. When suffering from diarrhoea, there's a lack of water in the body. To maintain water balance in the body, it's necessary to give sugar salt water(Oral Rehydration Solution). People can make it veritably easily in their homes. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the gold standard treatment for diarrhoea, preventing an estimated 93% of deaths from diarrhoea in children under 5. 

What Are Some Side Effects Of Drinking Salt Water?

Along with the benefits of drinking salt and sugar water, there are some side effects, too. You must keep in mind that you should not consume anything in excess quantity as it can cause discomfort. Here are some of the side effects of drinking salt water:

• Vomiting   

• Crankiness  

• Restlessness  

• Nausea  

• Seizures  

• Swelling of ankles  

• Unusual weakness  

• Rashes  

• Dizziness  

• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, and throat)  

• Breathing problems   

Still, it is pivotal to contact the doctor to avoid severe health complications if any of these side effects persist for an extended time and worsen the condition. 

The Final Say

To wrap up this exploration, now you know the amazing benefits of drinking salt and sugar water. This concoction, made of water, glucose, sodium, and potassium, optimises the absorption of fluid in the intestines, which helps to replenish fluids. 

This water is frequently used to treat dehydration due to diarrhoea or vomiting. However, moderation is key, and consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable before incorporating such concoctions into your routine. 

Remember, a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet and proper hydration practices remain the foundation for overall health. Always prioritise evidence-based approaches to wellness and be mindful of individual health conditions and sensitivities.

FAQs

1. What is sugar salt water substantially used for?  

Sugar salt water( ORS) is mainly used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea. 

2. How much salt and sugar do you add to water?   

WHO recommends that these homemade sugar-salt rehydration solutions should contain 8 position spoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt added to 1 litre of water. 

3. Does drinking salt water potentially cause kidney damage?   

Too much salt can be damaging veritably snappily. Everything is in moderation. Most of your foods formerly contain sufficient salt levels, which means you are likely meeting your daily nutritional sodium needs through diet alone. 

4. What is the best time to drink salt and sugar water?

You should consume salt water only once a day. Also, the salt quantity should be at most 25 grams throughout the day. 

5. Can I drink salt and sugar water every day?

While occasional consumption of salt and sugar water may not pose significant harm for most people, drinking it daily is not recommended. Regular intake of excess salt and sugar can lead to adverse health effects, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and other metabolic issues.

6. Can everyday drinking of salt and sugar water improve your skin?

While hydration is essential for skin health, relying on salt and sugar water may not be the best approach. Excessive salt intake can lead to dehydration and the high sugar content may contribute to skin issues like inflammation and acne.

7. Is salt and sugar water for adults different from that of children?

Yes, the recommended salt and sugar water intake varies for adults and children. Children generally require lower levels to maintain a healthy balance, and excessive intake should be avoided to prevent potential health issues.

References

• Formulae of sugar-salt solutions recommended for treatment of diarrhoeal dehydration at home 

• What Happens When You Drink Salt Water with Sugar Before Going to Bed

• 8 Benefits of drinking ORS other than rehydration

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