Intermittent fasting (IF) can be one of the most effective ways to lose weight and improve your health, or it can be yet another fad diet that you’ll forget about in six months.
Pink salt, also known as Himalayan salt, has been used in ancient Ayurvedic practices and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
It’s popular among the keto community because it’s said to help with energy and cleansing when doing intermittent fasting (IF). But there are still many unanswered questions about pink salt, especially whether or not it’s safe to use during fasting periods like the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, or water fasting.
[ 6 Reasons Why Intermittent Fasting May Not Be Working For You ]
What is Pink Salt?
Pink salt, also known as Himalayan salt or crystal salt, is a great way to make your meals even tastier while on an intermittent fasting diet. Unlike traditional table salt that is often used in cooking and at home, pink salt contains more than 85 trace minerals and elements such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and selenium.
It’s also a good source of boron, which can help control blood sugar levels and strengthen bones. Boron is beneficial for brain health, too. Many researchers believe it may slow down mental decline by preventing oxidative stress in our brains.
[ Also check: Fasting and its benefits ]
And if you’re worried about sodium intake when intermittent fasting, don’t be: A teaspoon of pink salt contains just 360 milligrams (mg) of sodium, which is less than half of what you would get from one teaspoon of regular table salt (1,080 mg).
For comparison, a cup of cooked spinach contains around 1,300 mg of sodium, so if you’re looking for ways to speed up your intermittent fasting meal plan with pink salt and enjoy its many benefits at the same time.
The Benefits of Pink Salt
Pink salt, or Himalayan salt, is a type of pink-colored salt that contains many beneficial trace minerals and natural iodine. While you don’t want to use it in place of regular table salt (it doesn’t contain sodium ), pink salt is a valuable addition to your diet, particularly during intermittent fasting.
For example, one study found that eating about two teaspoons of pink salt per day could improve testosterone levels in overweight men with low testosterone levels. Pink salt also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce symptoms of asthma. If you suffer from chronic inflammation, pink salt could be an essential part of your diet.
Is pink salt good for you?
Sendha namak, also known as Himalayan pink salt, is a famous salt often used in Indian cooking. This type of salt has been shown to contain 84 minerals and elements, including iron, potassium, zinc, and calcium.
It is often used during intermittent fasting because it helps reduce hunger and cravings while boosting energy levels. The mineral content of Sendha Namak may also help improve digestion by balancing pH levels in your stomach.
How is it better than table salt?
Pink salt is made up of potassium chloride, while table salt is made up of sodium chloride. This slight difference makes pink salt a better choice for those on an intermittent fasting diet.
The body needs a steady stream of both types of electrolytes to balance blood pressure, for example. Pink salt gives your body enough potassium and chloride to keep you going without supplying too much or too little.
[ Related: There are So Many Types of Salt - Here’s an Advice on Picking One]
Can pink salt help with fasting?
As a rule, most people don’t require any special supplements during intermittent fasting. But if you do want to use something to help with hunger cravings and other intermittent fasting side effects, pink salt may be able to help.
The reason is that pink salt contains sodium and potassium, which are electrolytes that your body needs for proper functioning. However, it doesn’t contain much in terms of calories, which means it won’t make intermittent fasting any harder than it already is. If you need some extra flavor in your water or tea while fasting, try adding a few drops of lemon juice instead.
Benefits of intermittent fasting
Research shows that pink salt may be beneficial during intermittent fasting. If you’re interested in losing weight or just trying to eat healthy and clean, it’s good to include pink salt in your diet.
Himalayan crystal salt, or Sendha namak, contains many minerals needed for healthy living, such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. When it comes to your health benefits, pink salt will help detoxify heavy metals from your body. This process can remove excess sodium and chlorine found in tap water, which can cause bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues. Pink salt also helps regulate blood pressure levels.
This makes pink salt an excellent choice for people looking to lose weight by reducing their intake of processed foods high in sodium content. Pink salt also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective at treating joint pain caused by arthritis or osteoporosis.
Read more:
- 4 Ways in Which Fasting Helps Build Self-Control
- 6 Easy Steps to Make Fasting Easy
- Low Sodium Salt Substitutes - Are They Safe?
How to take it during the fast?
Taking pink salt during intermittent fasting is pretty straightforward. Add a half-teaspoon of pink salt to your water (and squeeze in a wedge of lemon) and sip it throughout the day. Make sure you drink at least 64 ounces of water, too—the point is to keep you hydrated during your fasting period to burn more fat than glycogen.
Pink salt also helps curb hunger pangs by boosting blood flow to your stomach; when less blood goes to your stomach, you’re less likely to feel hungry.
Side Effects of Pink Salt
Pink salt contains significantly less sodium than regular table salt and is often used in low-sodium diets. It tastes about half as salty as regular table salt, but make no mistake: it is still highly salty.
If you are trying to limit your sodium intake, pink salt can be an excellent alternative to table salt. But if you aren’t limiting your sodium intake, there is no reason to switch to pink salt instead of regular table salt.
Conclusion
Pink salt, or Sendha Namak, is rock powder made from mineral deposits that crystallize over time. Pink and orange salts come in various forms, some of which are safe to consume during intermittent fasting, while others should be avoided.
Pink salt has a distinct flavor, but it’s not overwhelming; it’s an excellent alternative for those who want to try something different when they fast. Pink salt can also be used as a substitute for regular table salt (in moderation).
