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In recent months, a growing wellness trend has taken over social media platforms like TikTok, where influencers and health enthusiasts recommend adding sea salt, especially Celtic sea salt, to drinking water. Advocates claim this simple practice can improve hydration, support digestion, boost skin health, and restore electrolyte balance. Unlike processed table salt, Celtic sea salt is rich in trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. According to a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, adding a small amount of salt to drinking water can help maintain electrolyte balance and improve hydration, especially during prolonged exercise or heat exposure. It is believed that these minerals help the body absorb water more efficiently.

Understanding celtic sea salt and its benefits to improve overall health

Celtic sea salt is an unrefined salt harvested from the coastal regions of France. Unlike table salt, which undergoes extensive processing, Celtic salt retains its natural mineral content. The extraction process involves allowing seawater to evaporate in clay ponds, followed by the use of wooden rakes to collect the salt, ensuring minimal processing and preserving its trace minerals.These trace minerals, which include magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iodine, are often cited as the primary health benefits of Celtic sea salt. However, it’s important to note that while these minerals are present, they are in relatively small quantities. For instance, Celtic salt contains about 85 to 90% sodium chloride, which is comparable to other sea salts like Cornish or Himalayan salt, but with a slightly lower sodium content

While the scientific backing is limited, proponents of the practice highlight several potential benefits:1. Enhanced hydrationThe presence of sodium in sea salt can help the body retain water, supporting cellular hydration. Sodium works with potassium to regulate fluid balance, particularly during intense physical activity or exposure to heat. This can be particularly useful for athletes or individuals who struggle with staying hydrated despite drinking plenty of water.2. Improved skin appearanceTrace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium found in unrefined sea salts are believed to contribute to healthier-looking skin. These minerals play roles in skin cell regeneration, pH balance, and reducing inflammation, potentially resulting in a clearer, more radiant complexion over time.3. Digestive supportSalt is essential for producing hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach. Adequate stomach acid is crucial for proper digestion, especially for breaking down proteins and absorbing nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. Adding a small amount of sea salt to water may help stimulate digestive secretions and support better nutrient absorption.4. Improved adrenal functionChronic stress can place a heavy burden on the adrenal glands, which regulate hormone production, including those involved in energy and hydration. Some practitioners of functional medicine suggest that unrefined sea salt may support adrenal health by providing trace minerals that help modulate stress response and maintain energy levels.5. Reduced cravings for sugary or processed foodsMineral deficiencies can sometimes trigger cravings, especially for salty or sweet snacks. By supporting the body with trace minerals found in sea salt, some individuals report reduced cravings and better appetite regulation. This may indirectly support healthier eating habits.6. Mild detoxificationSome holistic practitioners believe that the trace minerals in sea salt help facilitate natural detoxification processes in the body by supporting lymphatic flow, kidney function, and cellular waste removal. While this is largely anecdotal, many include sea salt as part of cleansing protocols.7. May help with muscle crampsSodium and magnesium are crucial for muscle function. A deficiency in either can lead to cramps or spasms, particularly during or after exercise. Including a pinch of mineral-rich sea salt in water might help reduce the risk of muscle cramps by supporting optimal electrolyte levels.8. Brain function and nerve communicationSodium and other electrolytes play a vital role in nerve transmission and brain function. Maintaining the right balance helps with concentration, mood regulation, and cognitive clarity. Some proponents claim that mineralised water can help prevent the sluggishness or mental fatigue associated with dehydration.9. Improved sleep qualityMagnesium, found in trace amounts in sea salt, is linked to better sleep and relaxation. While the amount in one glass of saltwater is small, consistent intake of trace minerals throughout the day, especially in the evening, may support more restful sleep patterns.It’s crucial to approach these potential benefits with caution, as the evidence supporting them is largely anecdotal and not robustly supported by scientific research.

Who should avoid adding sea salt to water

While a pinch of sea salt in water is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals, certain groups should exercise caution:

The recommended daily intake of sodium chloride for adults is no more than 6g, which equates to about one level teaspoon. It’s important to consider all sources of sodium in your diet to avoid exceeding this limit.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.Also read | Arjun Chaal benefits for heart health and control blood pressure naturally

The patient was a 42-year-old woman, high school graduate, married, and mother of two children. She presented to the psychiatric outpatient clinic on January 19, 2024, complaining of insomnia, thoughts that her husband was cheating on her, and irritability. The patient had no prior history of psychiatric hospitalization or psychiatric illness and reported that these symptoms began approximately ten days after experiencing a severe upper respiratory tract infection.

The patient presented to the emergency department approximately ten days ago with complaints of fever, shortness of breath, and fainting; laboratory and imaging tests resulted in a diagnosis of upper respiratory tract infection. Blood tests conducted at the time of admission revealed only a transient elevation in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (22.85 mg/L), with no significant abnormalities in other systemic inflammation markers such as white blood cell count, ferritin, procalcitonin, or sedimentation rate. Clinical evaluation revealed normal oxygen saturation, a temperature of 38.1°C, and stable vital signs. No findings consistent with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, such as hypotension, tachycardia, altered consciousness, or organ dysfunction, were observed. Therefore, it was concluded that the infection did not progress to systemic inflammation and remained limited to an upper respiratory tract infection. The patient was started on 200 mg cefuroxime and ibuprofen treatment. The patient returned to the emergency department due to worsening symptoms, and treatment was changed to 1000 mg amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 200 mg ibuprofen, 30 mg pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, and 4 mg chlorpheniramine maleate.

After this, the patient believed that her husband had been replaced by someone else, stopped talking to him, and did not answer his phone calls. The patient avoided meeting with family members, did not make eye contact with her husband, and showed a marked withdrawal from social interactions. Her husband stated that the patient had undergone a major change in the last ten days, did not respond to him, and frequently said, “What did you do to my husband?”

Therefore, the patient was referred to the neurology department;

Neurological Examination: conscious, cooperative, and fully oriented.

Cranial nerve examination: Normal; no facial paralysis or visual field defects were detected. Muscle strength and tone were normal, and no motor weakness was observed. Deep tendon reflexes were symmetrical and normoactive. The Babinski reflex was bilateral negative. Light touch, pain, vibration, and position sense were normal. Finger-nose and heel-knee tests were normal, rapid, and coordinated; no dysmetria was observed. Fundus examination was normal; no papilledema was detected. No nuchal rigidity or other signs of meningeal irritation were observed.

Brain MRI including T1, T2, FLAIR, and diffusion sequences showed no acute or chronic pathology. No signal changes suggestive of demyelination, mass lesion, or limbic encephalitis were observed. The basal ganglia, thalamus, brainstem, cerebellum, and cortical structures were normal. No restriction was detected on diffusion imaging, ruling out acute ischemic events or infectious encephalopathy. Lumbar puncture was not performed due to the absence of meningeal irritation findings, neurological focal findings, consciousness fluctuations, or cognitive fluctuations, and normal MRI and EEG results. Although rare possibilities such as autoimmune encephalitis have not been theoretically ruled out, the current clinical picture does not warrant invasive evaluation in this direction.

During the neurological evaluation, a decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (CRP: 0.96 mg/L) was observed compared to the initial values obtained during the first emergency department visit (CRP: 22.85 mg/L), indicating a reduction in the inflammatory process. The patient did not undergo COVID-19 testing during emergency department visits or subsequent neurological evaluations, and no respiratory imaging findings suggestive of COVID-19 were recorded. However, the patient continued to believe that her husband had been transferred to another location. The following timeline summarizes the patient’s clinical findings and course (Fig. 1).

Psychiatric evaluation

The patient’s general level of alertness was normal. Orientation and cooperation were intact. Attention span, short-term memory, and abstract thinking were adequate. Although a structured cognitive assessment scale (e.g., MoCA or MMSE) was not administered, the cognitive processes observed during the interview were within the expected limits for her age and educational level. She exhibited an anxious mood and affect, and her appearance and self-care were consistent with her age and sociocultural level. The patient had persistent and reality-detached beliefs in the content of her thoughts, particularly regarding the replacement of her husband and daughter with fake people. There was no insight into the delusions. Psychomotor activity was normal, and no catatonic features such as mutism, negativism, or stereotypy were observed. Therefore, there was no need to administer the Bush–Francis Catatonic Rating Scale. Following the initial psychiatric evaluation, the patient underwent electroencephalography (EEG) by the psychiatric team. EEG showed normal background activity with no generalized slowing or epileptiform activity. Additionally, the patient’s previously obtained brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were re-evaluated by a radiologist to rule out any potential organic pathologies that could cause psychotic symptoms. This second evaluation, which specifically focused on limbic encephalitis, demyelinating lesions, or other structural abnormalities, also did not reveal any pathology.

The patient, who had no history of psychiatric illness, reported that he was cheerful, active, and sociable prior to the onset of the illness and had no history of alcohol or substance abuse. Additionally, the patient had no known medical conditions or history of trauma/accidents, although he had undergone two cesarean sections in the past.

The patient exhibited delusional misidentification consistent with Capgras syndrome, and antipsychotic treatment with 3 mg/day of paliperidone was initiated. According to DSM-5 criteria, the clinical presentation was consistent with a psychotic disorder characterized by sudden-onset delusional misidentification symptoms in a patient without a prior psychiatric history. Approximately one month after treatment initiation, the patient presented for a psychiatric follow-up examination. In this second psychiatric evaluation, clinical observations and information obtained from the family indicated no improvement in the patient’s symptoms. The patient stated, “An unknown man has taken my husband’s place, and I am afraid of him” and “He is deceiving everyone, and everyone believes him.” A relative noted that these symptoms began after flu-like symptoms and that there had been no previous episodes of this kind.

Treatment was subsequently increased to 6 mg of paliperidone. According to family observations and clinical interviews, a slight decrease in the intensity of delusional beliefs was noted. Due to loss of follow-up, no post-treatment diagnostic tests or psychiatric evaluations were conducted. No adverse effects were reported during the short follow-up period; however, the short observation period limits the assessment of the drug’s tolerability.