There is a rumor that drinking a glass of salt water every morning can detoxify the body. I really admire the creativity of these "experts". However, I must clarify that drinking salt water in the morning actually increases the intake of salt. Let's take a closer look at this topic!
Why did people in ancient times believe in drinking "salt water in the morning and honey water in the evening"?
This is actually related to the low living standards and food scarcity in ancient times.
1. In ancient times, the production of salt was not as high as it is today. From production, transportation, sales, to purchase, there were strict regulations and private selling was not allowed. Each family could only buy a limited amount of salt, and the price was high. This scarcity made salt a precious commodity in ancient times, and people considered it a health food.
2. The occurrence of "big neck disease" was relatively high in ancient times, which was related to iodine deficiency in food. This also made salt extremely valuable.
3. In ancient times, the production of sugar and honey was also low, and the prices were high. This led to sweet foods being classified as tonics. Most people in ancient times were thin and believed that obesity was a sign of health and wealth. Consuming sweet foods in the evening was believed to help gain weight. This is why salt water and honey water were popular.
However, this health practice is not suitable for modern people and does not have any detoxifying effects.
Drinking salt water in the morning does not detoxify the body
1. The World Health Organization recommends that the daily salt intake should not exceed 5g per person. However, in northern China, the average daily salt intake per person is between 15-20g, which leads to a higher incidence of hypertension.
2. After a night of metabolism, the body lacks water and needs to be hydrated in the morning. Drinking diluted salt water in the morning will increase dehydration and raise blood pressure. People with hypertension and kidney disease should have a low-salt diet.
3. The change in the modern diet structure has led to a higher incidence of diabetes, high blood lipids, fatty liver, and obesity.
4. Drinking honey water in the evening creates an unhygienic environment in the mouth, increasing the incidence of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Therefore, the idea that drinking salt water or honey water can detoxify the body and aid in weight loss is not scientifically supported. It may also cause discomfort, increase the risk of hypertension, and even lead to sudden death. It is more reliable to maintain a healthy diet and a balanced eating pattern in daily life than to rely on unscientific health remedies.
