Do Saltwater Flushes Work?

Proponents of the saltwater flush claim the practice helps clear toxins, residual waste, and parasites from the colon. Before deciding to try it, there are several important points to consider.

A saltwater flush is performed to rinse the colon, relieve persistent constipation, and purportedly aid the body’s detoxification. It gained traction as part of the Master Cleanse fasting and detox routine.

The method requires drinking a solution of warm water mixed with non-iodized salt. Salt combined with warm water produces a laxative response, typically prompting urgent bowel movements within 30 minutes to an hour, though it can take longer for some people.

What is a saltwater flush useful for?

Anecdotal reports suggest a saltwater flush can temporarily clear the colon by inducing bowel movements.

However, there’s no solid scientific proof that a saltwater flush actually detoxifies the body or eliminates accumulated waste and intestinal parasites.

Although many people share their salt flush experiences online, precise success statistics are scarce.

Who might think about a saltwater flush?

No formal medical recommendations define who should undergo a saltwater flush.

Advocates often suggest it for individuals with chronic constipation or irregular bowel habits. It’s also sometimes recommended as part of a detox regimen or juice fast.

How to perform a saltwater flush

The commonly used procedure involves:

1. Mixing two teaspoons of non-iodized sea salt (for example, Pink Himalayan salt) into one quart (four cups) of warm water.
2. Adding lemon juice if you want to make the flavor more palatable.
3. Drinking the solution quickly on an empty stomach.

You should experience the need for a bowel movement soon after consuming the saltwater mixture.

Why perform a saltwater flush in the morning?

People typically do a saltwater flush first thing upon waking, though it can be done in the evening a few hours after the last meal. The timing isn’t crucial so long as you’re on an empty stomach.

Avoid errands or workouts for several hours after drinking the saltwater, as multiple urgent bowel movements are likely. Stay close to a restroom.

Risks and cautions

Keep in mind that two teaspoons of salt already exceed the 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025.

Occasional consumption of this amount may not be harmful, but drinking saltwater on an empty stomach can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Higher salt intakes, such as those used in some colonoscopy prep cleanses, can produce cramping, bloating, and dehydration. Colon-cleansing methods overall can cause electrolyte disturbances because of rapid fluid and sodium loss.

Potential consequences include:

• muscle cramps
• weakness
• confusion
• irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• blood pressure issues

While the majority of people experience bowel movements after a saltwater flush, some do not. The flush could put you at risk of sodium excess, which may raise blood pressure.

A saltwater flush is not recommended if you have:

• cardiac conditions
• diabetes
• fluid retention (edema)
• kidney disease
• high blood pressure
• gastrointestinal disorders like ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease

Are there alternatives to a saltwater flush?

Options such as juice cleanses, detox teas, and laxative tablets may also trigger bowel movements, but there’s no scientific support that they remove toxins or effectively treat constipation long-term. They can be harmful for certain individuals.

The most reliable way to keep your colon clean and support detoxification is to aid your body’s natural filters — the liver and kidneys. These organs clear toxins from the bloodstream so they can be removed via the bowel or urine. You can help your liver and kidneys by:

• staying well hydrated
• using prescription and over-the-counter medicines as directed
• consuming a balanced, nutritious diet
• reducing alcohol intake
• minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals in cleaners, pesticides, and personal care items
• avoiding tobacco
• keeping a healthy body weight
• controlling blood pressure
• exercising regularly

Increasing both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet helps maintain regular bowel function. While dietary fiber won’t produce the immediate evacuation a saltwater flush might, it’s a safer long-term strategy for managing chronic constipation. You can also read more about gentle cleansing methods like washing face with salt water for related salt-based home practices.

Learn more: Colon cleanse: what you need to know.

The bottom line

A saltwater flush will likely provoke urgent bowel movements and temporarily clear the colon.

For most people without significant medical issues and if not pregnant, a single flush probably won’t cause lasting harm, though you may feel unwell briefly. Regularly repeating saltwater flushes is not advised.

Because saltwater flushes and similar colon-cleansing approaches can be unpredictable and sometimes hazardous, be skeptical of the marketing around them.

Focus on supporting your body’s built-in detox systems and let them handle toxin removal. If you’re thinking about trying a saltwater flush, consult your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.