Salt Water Flush Recipe, Benefits, Risks and How to Do It - Dr. Axe

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Salt Water Flush Recipe + Benefits, Risks & How to Do It

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Salt water flush recipe - Dr. Axe

Are you like 20 percent of the public that suffers from constipation? It’s nothing to be ashamed about, so even if high-fiber foods don’t always do the trick, consider a salt water flush. Sometimes called a “salt water cleanse” or a “master cleanse,” it’s designed to help you cleanse your colon and digestive system by bringing on a forced bowel movement.

You’re likely familiar with a colon cleanse, even if you’ve never done one, but did you know a salt water flush is a simple, safe and effective way to detox the body and cleanse the colon from the comfort of your own home? It’s true.

By drinking a beneficial mixture of real sea salt dissolved in water (sometimes along with a little lemon juice), you’re able to push waste through the body, release toxins and improve digestion.

Sound a bit crazy? This method of colon and stomach cleansing has actually been used for many years, and it appears to be a lot safer than many commercial colon-cleansing drugs, laxative teas or diuretics.

The key part of a salt water flush recipe is salt itself, as it’s needed for many biochemical processes. The official salt water flush has become more popular over the past decade as a “hack” to facilitate digestion and cleansing as part of a kick-start when doing a “master cleanse” program.

Drinking a salt mixture ignites the body’s own mechanism of natural detoxification and waste elimination, helping get your digestive system back on track and in the process making you feel lighter, less sluggish and less weighed-down.

What Is a Salt Water Flush?

A salt water flush, also sometimes referred to as a “salt water cleanse” or a “master cleanse,” is designed to help you cleanse your colon and digestive system by bringing on a forced bowel movement.

Salt itself is needed for many biochemical processes, including (but not limited to):

  • adrenal gland/thyroid gland function
  • cell wall stability
  • muscle contractions
  • nutrient absorption
  • nerve stimulation
  • pH
  • water balance regulation

Maybe you’re wondering if it’s really necessary to cleanse your colon and detox with salt. The fact is that for many people — especially those eating poor diets — toxins, heavy metals and waste build up in the colon over time due to insufficient and infrequent bowel movements. This leads to digestive issues and can contribute to inflammation, low energy and possibly even disease development.

Benefits

Why do a salt water colon cleanse?

The master cleanse is a liquid-only juice fast, which means it’s extremely low in calories and also lacks any dietary fiber, which is necessary for healthy digestion. When you only consume liquids for a certain amount of time and don’t actually eat any foods with fiber — vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds or beans, for example — you’re likely to have a lot of trouble going to the bathroom.

During the master cleanse, people have a daily detox drink — only a concoction of water, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper.

The result? For many people, this kind of juice fast can cause constipation, low energy and bloated stomach (not to mention other complications from consuming too little nutrients/calories).

Fiber is partially responsible for igniting the process of peristalsis, which is the series of muscle contractions in our digestive tracts that allow us to poop — exactly the reason that people with low-fiber, highly processed diets often suffer from constipation.

Unfortunately, this is pretty much the opposite of what most people hope to accomplish when they sign up for a “detox.” This is where the salt water flush comes in. It basically forces your digestive system to release stored waste in the toxins, however little (or a lot) there might be.

Salt can also help clear up fluid retention, despite what most people think. Real sea salt (not the processed kind that’s stripped of minerals) helps you lose extra fluid weight by properly balancing out electrolyte/mineral levels in the body, releasing retained water your cells hold on to.

What Does Sea Salt Do to Your Body?

Sodium and salt often get a bad name, but real sea salt is loaded with dozens of minerals and is definitely part of a healthy diet. Keep in mind there’s a big difference between regular table salt, which is iodinated, and pure sea salt.

The processed salts in sodium foods, especially in processed, packaged or fast foods, usually contribute too much salt to people’s diets and pose the most health risks (like high blood pressure).

It’s necessary and natural to have some real salt in your diet, so there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to ingesting some salt. Of course, if you did nothing but drink salt water, you would become extremely dehydrated. In fact, you would die because your kidneys and bladder would cause you to lose more water than you’re taking in.

As long as you do a sea salt flush or use pure sea salt in moderation along with an otherwise healthy diet, you shouldn’t suffer any negative consequences.

Salt water has many uses and benefits, including helping to ease sore throats, cleansing wounds, lowering pain in inflamed muscles (which is why salt is used in many detox bath recipes) and providing trace minerals (not to mention making your food taste better).

A little-known benefit of sea salt is that it affects muscle and nerves functions. It helps contract muscles in the digestive tract that push waste out through the colon. This forces out toxins that have been trapped inside your system and contribute to sluggishness and constipation.

Real sea salt does have lots of sodium, but it’s balanced out with other minerals, like magnesium, calcium, potassium and more than 60 other trace minerals. Salt activates enzymes needed for proper digestive processes and is required by the parietal cells of the stomach wall to make hydrochloric acid.

Salt also helps balance hormones, facilitates with metabolic processes and establishes an optimal pH level in the body. That’s because your stomach acid is naturally very acidic, but salt (sodium chloride) counteracts some of the effects of acids.

Salt supports “hyperosmolarity” of extracellular fluids, which has positive effects on your metabolism because it helps with the breakdown of proteins and glucose. Plus, a diet that’s very low in salt causes more aldosterone to be synthesized, as shown in animal research, which can have effects like lowering potassium and magnesium levels in the body — the opposite of what most people need.

Salt water flush benefits - Dr. Axe

Risks and Side Effects

Is a sea salt cleanse dangerous?

It’s possible that salt water flushes can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting or weakness in some people, but most of the time heavy metal detoxes and cleanses using salt water are safe. If you have a history of serious digestive issues or high blood pressure, you might want to talk to your doctor before doing a salt flush (not because real salt will raise blood pressure on its own, but just to be on the safe side).

While very low-calorie, juice-only detoxes like the master cleanse can be harmful in some situations and aren’t recommended for everybody, you can safely use the same practice of a sea salt flush if you suffer from occasional constipation but aren’t dieting. If you do a salt water flush as part of a juicing or cleansing program, make sure you pay attention to your body’s feedback, and give yourself enough rest/nutrients in the process.

Many people safely use a warm salt water cleanse to help clear up problematic digestive issues like constipation, bloating and gas. A sea salt colon cleanse is much less likely to cause side effects that are common when using laxative teas or cleansing pills — like slowly forming a dependency on them or experiencing electrolyte imbalances, water retention afterward and having trouble eating normally.

Many detox programs, including the master cleanse, promote the use of both sea salt water flushes and also potentially dangerous laxative teas, without warning people about complications that can occur. If you have a hard time going to the bathroom for whatever reason, sea salt flushes are a much better option and more gentle on your system long term.

When properly performing a sea salt flush, you use warm water and real sea salt that have been fully blended together, so your body easily absorbs the salt’s minerals. When it’s properly prepared you won’t see any granules of sea salt, just a cloudy mixture that’s uniform in terms of color and texture.

This is important because when the sea salt fully dissolves into the water it helps your digestive organs process the mixture most effectively and safely. Your kidneys won’t pull out the water and leave behind only salt, while high amounts of salt won’t end up in your bloodstream, which can raise blood pressure.

When it comes to safety, salt water flushes appear to be both safe and effective — working just as well as other types of “colon cleansing” products, even the kinds that are prescribed by doctors for patients prior to undergoing a colonoscopy.

Certain studies examining the effects of salt water on cleansing the digestive tract have found that oral sodium mixtures are well-tolerated and even more effective than certain colon-cleansing blends, such as Picoprep. One study done by the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia found that salt mixtures seem to cause similar side effects as other colon cleansers (like cramps, some nausea, etc.), but 91 percent of people who used the oral sodium mixture reported that it worked and would use it again.

How to Do a Salt Water Flush

The salt water flush is most effective if you perform it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If you do it later in the day, just make sure you haven’t eaten anything in the past one to two hours.

To perform a simple sea salt flush at home, start with two teaspoons of sea salt, which can be colored salt, such as pink Himalayan salt or “gray salt.” (Make sure it’s pure salt — you don’t want to use iodinated salt — so always make sure there is no iodine added at all.)

Heat up one liter of filtered water. You want the water to be warmer than room temperature but not boiling or very hot. It should be cooler than the temp you would use to brew tea or coffee.

Grab a glass jar with a lid, and add the salt, hot water, and some fresh lemon juice or lemon water (which helps cut the taste of the salt). Shake it vigorously to fully dissolve the salt. Make sure no granules are visible, which will settle at the bottom of your jar/lid if they’re still undissolved.

Drink the mixture quickly, within a few minutes if possible. (Under five minutes is the goal.) Since it doesn’t taste great (it’s very salty!), you will probably want to drink it down as fast as you can.

Lay down on your side, and massage your belly on one side — then repeat on the other side. Holding in the mixture for at least 30 minutes is ideal.

Within a short time after finishing the mixture, you should start to feel the urge to go to the bathroom. Once you feel you can no longer hold out, go to the bathroom. You might have to go more than one time, sometimes needing to use the bathroom several times before you’re fully “cleansed” and your colon is emptied.

After doing a cleanse of any kind, it’s a good idea to take a probiotic supplement and load up on healthy foods, which helps establish healthy bacteria in your internal gut flora (microbiome) and provide you essential nutrients/electrolytes.

Trouble-Shooting a Sea Salt Flush

Did you perform a salt colon cleanse and found that it didn’t work well for you? Here’s a few reasons that might be the case, plus how to perform a more effective flush next time:

  • Adjust when you perform the flush: Make sure your system is pretty empty, and try doing it the morning if you didn’t the first time.
  • Adjust how much salt you used: If you use too much or too little salt, it might not work well or might cause side effects.
  • Make sure you use pure salt (not iodinated): It’s possible to use the wrong kind of salt without realizing, which will affect how it’s absorbed. Recheck that you use un-iodized organic sea salt. Look for pink Himalayan salt or grayish-colored Celtic sea salt, not the white type that is cheap and sold in most grocery stores.
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Salt water flush recipe - Dr. Axe

Salt Water Flush Recipe


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  • Author: Dr. Josh Axe
  • Total Time: 5 min
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Sometimes called a “salt water cleanse” or a “master cleanse,” a salt water flush is designed to help you cleanse your colon and digestive system by bringing on a forced bowel movement.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons of sea salt (Celtic variety better than Pink Himalayan)
  • 1 liter of hot filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice or one cup of lemon water
  • glass jar with a lid

Instructions

  1. Heat up your water but not to boiling.
  2. Add your ingredients into the jar and put the lid on. Shake it vigorously to fully dissolve the salt. Make sure no granules are visible.
  3. Drink the mixture quickly, within a few minutes if possible (under 5 minutes is the goal).
  4. Lay down on your side and massage your belly on one side, then repeat on the other side. If you can manage to hold in the solution for about 30 minutes, this will help your body fully absorb the salt.
  5. Within a short time after finishing the mixture, you should start to feel the urge to go to the bathroom.
  6. Once you feel you can no longer hold out, go to the bathroom. You might have to go more than one time, sometimes needing to use the bathroom for several times before you’re fully “cleansed” and your colon is emptied.

Notes

After doing a cleanse of any kind, it’s a good idea to take a probiotic supplement and load up on healthy foods.

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783 Comments

  1. Selina on

    Is the flush appropriate for someone who had a weight loss surgery 10 mouths ago?

    Will it work if you drink as much as you can as your stomach is smaller?

    Reply
  2. Dora on

    Hi Dr. Axe,
    Is this ok if I am sometimes constipated and other days have a loose stool but usually feel I didn’t empty completely?

    Reply
  3. Abiyah on

    Cont-drink it the night before the sea salt flush you will have better results. Also w/ the m.cleanse we do the seaS flush 2-3 days in a row until what comes is clear. Happy Flushing!

    Reply
  4. Mark on

    For those of you who didn’t read the full article, it clearly states:

    “The salt water flush is most effective if you perform it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.”

    Reply
    • Abiyah on

      Love the salt water flush. Just a helpful hint of the night before you do the flush, drink a cup of smooth move tea. Cont-

      Reply
  5. Michelle Richard on

    So I tried it in the afternoon it still did not work for me?
    Is it supposed to be in the morning?
    And maybe my stomach was not completely empty?
    What do you think?

    Reply
    • Lilia on

      Try on empty stomach in the morning. Should work. Adjusting the amount of salt and quality of salt are important as well.

      Reply
    • Barbara E Padgett on

      He said a litrethe citrate is very dehydrating to your system. The real salt flush doesn’t mess you up if you do it correctly Glad you found this method

      Reply
  6. Susan on

    Someone mentioned here that this is like colonoscopy prep. It seems a much healthier prep. Has anyone done that? Would it be okay to use the salt flush as a colonoscopy prep?

    Reply
    • Dixie Normous on

      Did this first thing in the morning. Waited 2 hrs. Nothing happened. Felt sick drinking this.
      Now my stomach is all bloated and I think I have pain in my kidneys.

      Reply
      • John Hasse on

        When I did it I used 2 quarts of water and more salt. If you are (were) seriously short on sodium, your body will grab that and that will decrease the effectiveness of the cleanse.

  7. JJ on

    Just wondering how often to do this cleanse? Only once? Or multiple times during the day or days? I have always struggled with digestive issues. It takes alot to actually get stuff moving.

    Reply
  8. Angela Jones on

    Thanks! I have been hoping to run into something like this since my colonoscopy. I can’t wait to read up on the liquid “diet”. I would love to implement it in my life.

    Reply
  9. Rhiannon on

    Thank you! I did a sea salt water cleanse every other Saturday morning back in high school. The lady I lived with insisted on it to keep me healthy. I have a colonoscopy tomorrow and was upset that I had to pay $90 for the Rx. I’m over here like, um all I need is sea salt. Lol
    That said, I will resume my bi-weekly cleanse regime since I do recall feeling much better that whole year.

    Reply
  10. Pastor Valerie Ann Grimes on

    Please get a hand full of nuts preferably walnuts and chew them. Use this and you should go to the bathroom at least 3 times per day. It scrapes the colon walls of pasty foods like cheese, breads, meats, and starches. I have been using this main stream advice since 2005. Dr. Valerie Saxon gave this advice on her show on the inspirational channel in 2005. Anyone that can eat nuts, without salt, I share this information with.

    Reply
    • K on

      Can kids/teens do this? Would the amount be less? I have done it with great success, and would like my kids to be able to do it as well, if possible

      Reply
  11. Laura on

    After 10 days on the master cleanse I did the salt flush today. I did one many years ago and it worked great. Today I was only able to drink 3/4 of a litre and I promptly vomited the water up so not sure if there is anything left in me for the cleanse 😝…fingers crossed as I try to get the last cup down

    Reply
  12. Jennifer Lee on

    Just FYI –

    I’ve done this twice when I first woke up – no coffee or anything in my stomach. It worked GREAT! But, uggghhh it was nasty going down.

    Today I did it 3 hours after getting up, 2 hours after 2 cups of coffee. The water was warm, not hot (as opposed to the first 2 times) 40 minutes in, and I feel discomfort like something’s “working” in there, but so far, no elimination.

    It appears I’ll have to choke it down with HOT water, first thing after getting up to be fully effective.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Lee on

      90 Minute update:

      Just got rid of a LOT, and maybe more to come……but will always do it first thing on an empty stomach from now on.

      Reply
      • Anne on

        This is good to know. I was going to do it in the evening (I’m done eating until later) and then go to bed, but my stomach won’t be completely fasted.

  13. Wanderer on

    I am small and have very low body weight, and so I used exactly 1/2 the recipe: 500 ml of warm water and 1 tsp of non-iodized sea salt, and it worked like a charm! I was glad to discover this remedy.

    Reply
  14. Dr. Bob on

    All good worked a treat.
    I used 2 tablespoons as was reading directions from other sites and so got conflated with advice here.
    30 min in and whooooooshhhhh.
    Was scared to leave the toilet as many “aftershocks” but seem to be ok now.

    I would recommend having a glass of plain water ready to rinse and spit and possibly drink as after I drank the Saltwater the residue just sat in my mouth and caused some nausea.

    Reply
  15. Shelley on

    Update to slow to take effect: 2.5 hrs, it started, YAY. 4 explosive gushes deep dark 💩💩💩, mostly thick fluid, a few small solids. 4 hrs in- it stopped. No food some liquid intake during night and still no food, little water.
    Next morning, today, nothing. 1:00pm, urges started. Big gas release, strain and got loose sediment/diarrhea…so I am not cleaned out. Going for 2nd dose of saltwater.

    Reply
  16. Shelley on

    I am at 90 minutes….Not even an urge to 💩. I used Mediterranean Sea Salt, I had to grind it, did everything as directed. All I feel so far is my whole body is buzzing with extra pins and needles nerve pain, than I normally have. I know I have 💩, my X-ray 4 days ago showed significant stool load throughout my large colon. So, now I’m drinking extra water (I drink LOTS of water daily, normally), cuz it seems like leaving the salt in my body is not a good thing. I’m so disappointed this didn’t work for me, but dealing with CONSTIPATION for 17+ yrs, I should not be surprised.

    Reply
    • Aiesha L Hall on

      Use the pink Himalayan salt is what I was told I let it stiff from last year ain’t no way all that was in me freaked me out

      Reply
    • zHUbi on

      Hi. Have you tried eating RAW plantain (that just turned ripe)? It works too. 17+ years is a long time to deal with constipation…I hope this helps.

      Reply
    • Pastor Valerie Ann Grimes on

      Please get a hand full of nuts preferably walnuts and chew them. Use this and you should go to the bathroom at least 3 times per day. It scrapes the colon walls of pasty foods like cheese, breads, meats, and starches. I have been using this main stream advice since 2005. Dr. Valerie Saxon gave this advice on her show on the inspirational channel in 2005. Anyone that can eat nuts, without salt, I share this information with.

      Reply
  17. Chris Patterson on

    Just done this cleanse this morning and by heck does it work fast. Within 10mins it started and after several trips to the loo I feel brand new! The mixture is awful to be honest but for what it does I will be repeating this as a monthly ritual.

    Reply
    • Ife on

      Kindly help me did the cleaning yesterday and I saw my menstruation today 5 Novembe with lower abdominal pain but the last menstruation first day was 18th October.

      Reply
    • Ava on

      Its not usually ok to do it everyday because salt dehydrates you. I personally do it once a week. But if you plan on doing everyday pair it with lots of water afterwards. Stay safe!

      Reply
    • Elena Sheehy on

      I wouldn’t do it everyday. It might mess with your salt levels in your blood. And it dehydrates you.

      I like to prepare coconut water with fresh orange juice, OJ after. It’s the best after this cleanse.

      Reply
      • Ginger on

        “Water follows salt as well as sugar”.
        That’s why a lot of the IV Fluids given in the hospital contain salt and dextrose. .

        I think the lemon helps with flush.

  18. Justin Margerum on

    You don’t specify how many ounces or water. It’s unhealthy to do more than 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every 8 ounces…so are you suggesting that you drink this mixture comprising of 64 ounces?

    Reply
  19. Angela Alviso on

    This information you have provided has help me to understand the the importance of using a safe very simple way to detox my stomach from things I didn’t know where harmful . This practice is one I will implement

    Reply
  20. DENISE OAKLEY on

    I did this and was amazed at how well it worked and how fast. I did the recommendation on the probiotic as well. I have been eating clean for a week now since the cleanse. I have had no bloating or cravings I had been having. I needed something to get me back on track. My diet had been horrible for a few months now. What a great site this is for health and information. I ordered a couple things from Ancient Nutrition as well to keep me on track.

    Reply
  21. Martin on

    I would be careful with this. Years ago, I and other people used to do a salt water flush according to some East Indian practice. It involved a step by step way to move the salt water through the system – laying on a certain side, flexing certain muscles in the abdominal region in a certain order. It worked if done properly, but we had a friend who didn’t follow the instructions exactly and had to go to the emergency room because of the salt water in her system.

    Reply
  22. Augusta on

    Hi
    I did this Sunday morning and then carried on with my usual Sunday routine of cleaning my kitchen and preparing food.
    Within 40 minutes I felt my bowel responding and know that the stretching and bending during my cleaning also helped.
    Thankyou

    Reply
  23. Ri on

    WOW just WOW! I have major issues trying to go. Laxatives, cleanses, you name it, I’ve tried it. My husband made this for me tonight and I told him it would work. 30 minutes after drinking he totally made a fool of me 😳 MY NEW GO TO!! Hoping this helps future gut problems.

    Reply
    • Puse on

      Was diagnosed with colitis and have performed this Sea salt cleansing. I hv never felt this good. The constipation is in d past n no more stomach pains

      Reply
  24. Donna on

    I have Hashimotos and have to get iodine in my system at some point. I do use iodized salt. So will this type of salt be ok for thyroid disease?

    Reply
      • Puse on

        Was diagnosed with thyroid in 1999 n since then, I hv been sick mostly suffering from constipation n high CRP not aware is caused by colitis. I performed this Sea salt cleansing from June thou I know I mustn’t perform it often but since then, my colon is back on track with less allergic reaction. I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. All I cn say is, m alive again. M active, can concentrate, energetic, happy n enjoying life which I hv been yearning for. I hv never felt this good. I am using Himalayan salt only

  25. Janet Douglas on

    Hi there

    By real sea salt, is it the normal sea salt you buy at a shop? White? Am unable to find celtic salt in south africa

    Reply
  26. Nitya on

    Thanks for posting this. This is called Shankha Prakshalana. It’s an ancient yogic technique of cleansing the colon.

    In yoga it is recommended to do 5 exercises after drinking 2 glasses of the sea salt water. There are simple and help the water flow through the intestines.

    This is the conch cleanse. Think of your intestines twisted and turned as they are and the exercises to help facilitate the flow of the water through them.

    You drink 2 glasses, do the exercises, drink 2 more and keep repeating until you have the movement.

    You will go several times until the water rings light brown and then almost clear or clear depending upon your body.

    Take 1 hour of rest afterwards having fresh water. Then eat a rice and vegetable porridge with 3 tsp of ghee to moisten the alimentary canal. Refrain from meats, dairy, alcohol, coffee and teas for 2 days.

    Do not do this cleanse more than twice per year.

    Happy cleansing!!!!!

    Reply
  27. Phyllis on

    It didn’t work for me. I was so hopeful that it would !. Can you repeat it if it doesn’t work for you on the same day ?. I loved the concept of just salt and water.

    Reply
  28. Adrienne Barrett on

    Going to try it first, and will comment thereafter. Googled this on recommendation of Didier Smeets, physiotherapist , Harare, Zimbabwe.

    Reply
    • Julie Sawyer on

      I am 51 and have suffered (currently to be accurate) with diverticulitis and constipation for years. Add menopause to the mix, I’ve been miserable. Just drank my first dose…praying to the old and the new poop gods as we speak.

      Reply
  29. HELEN DIANNE SMITH on

    I come from South Africa the African Population have a knack of drinking Sea Water
    to cleanse the GI tract, never tried it but by the amount of people I have seen filling
    a bottle of water at the beach….must work !!

    Reply
    • Jeff on

      100%!!! I can honestly second that!!
      Iv seen it for myself.
      Our Native African population outshine us European Africans in terms of vibrance, longivety & shining health.
      Jeff from South Africa..

      Reply
    • Terry on

      Once should do the trick! It acts quickly and you will be amazed at the nastiness that exits your body! Think colonoscopy prep! That’s how powerful it is, so DO NOT do this when you have to go somewhere in the next few hours! I personally wouldn’t repeat this process more than once a month unless your practitioner recommends it.

      Reply
  30. Bryan on

    I did 1 liter of warm water and instead of 2 teaspoon I did 2 tablespoon . And organic sea salt. And about 20mins later . Boy everything that was inside me came out . It was a satisfying feeling after I was done. I felt extremely light , lost about 5lbs just doing so. When I say alot I mean alot came out. U will sit in that bathroom for like 15 or 30mins non stop going .

    Reply
    • Terry on

      Eddie, Once should do the trick! It acts quickly and you will be amazed at the nastiness that exits your body! Think colonoscopy prep! That’s how powerful it is, so DO NOT do this when you have to go somewhere in the next few hours! I personally wouldn’t repeat this process more than once a month unless your practitioner recommends it.

      Reply
    • Roro on

      I agree 💯, I’m currently doing one today and oh boyyy within 15min I started running 🏃‍♀️ into the restroom

      Reply
  31. Jd on

    I followed the recipe and practise as prescribed but mixed it with 750ml water not quite a litre, yet I didn’t have the urge to go and no bowl movement for 4 hours. It was a good full movement but didn’t come cascading out, just slow and steady. Where do you think I went wrong? Also would like to know how often it is advised to do a salt water cleanse?

    Reply
    • Tiona Lindsey on

      Hi, it doesn’t appear as though you did anything wrong. Everyone has lived and eaten various types of food. We all have different body types, blood types etc. However, stay the course of studies for better heath in these challenging times.

      Reply
    • MaS on

      High Purity Non Iodinated Table Salt…..

      – The Dr. knows what he’s talking about…apparently he’s more well versed in the clarification of what he’s talking about.. One would hope that one would try not to be so critical when lacking in comparable knowledge.

      Reply
    • Meyla on

      Either word works well. Language is a living thing. Do you love grammar? I knew what was meant as you did. I like people that use their faculties to help others, don’t you?

      Reply
  32. Daniel on

    Ive only 2 days ago finished the cleanse. 1 liter of water, 1 tea spoon of sea salt and 1 tea spoon of bi carb soda. Stirred and separated into 4 dosages. Consumed each dosage every 2 hours until complete. After the cleanse I was able to go to the toilet better so it definitely cleansed my bowels.
    The only Issue is my left hip down to my glutes feels dried out. Cant walk. Every step I take is painful. feels like bone to bone. Is an excruciating pain. I played a game of tennis the day before but haven’t experienced this before. Any ideas as to what it could be and how i can rectify the issue? Any help would be much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Meyla on

      What if it is partial impaction and you moved and broke it apart and you just *think* youre empty? There are nerves and stuff connected all over the body and around our intestines. The vagel nerve being one as an example. Just a pondering.

      Reply
  33. K on

    Bodies are different I guess. I waited around all day feeling bloated and headachy with none of the hoped-for results, what a horrible day

    Reply
    • Tanja on

      I had this happen to me too and then I added half a teaspoon more salt the next time and that did the trick. My body apparently needs a little more salt for it to flush my system and go through my intestines instead of the liquid getting absorbed which is what happened initially (and yes definitely that was not fun-lolol). Try with a little more salt – might work for you too

      Reply
      • Sought on

        I can’t find the big rocks , I only have a 4 4 bottle of himalayan sea salt, I put it 8n a tall glass bottle overnight, and this morning it’s dissolved but I don’t know if I put enough, one video said do it again and wait overnight so do I buy another bottle , I’m needing help please help

    • D on

      magnesium citrate helps a lot of people , it comes in a bottle of liquid, mostly water.
      In fact, drinking lots of water, thin liquid like juice with extra water added, or coffee can also help get things moving.

      Reply
  34. Sherry D. on

    Thank you Dr. Axe for this info. It’s very helpful, well-written and clear. I followed your instructions step-by-step and it worked great! Drinking the salt water is the hardest part of it but doing it first thing in the morning helped. The lemon juice helped with the overwhelming taste of salt water. But the relief that I felt after the purge was fantastic and well worth the effort. I will be doing the flush twice a month, if possible. Many thanks again!:)

    Reply
      • Carol Labelle on

        The white usually inexpensive sea salt has usually gone through some type of refinement, so I personally avoid it and have always used pink Himalayan sea salt. It’s very healing. This flush actually saved my father’s life when everything the medical system could offer him was failing.

  35. Colette on

    I was skeptical that this would work for me, but I did it this morning and WOW. This worked wonders for me and I will definitely do it again!!

    Reply
  36. Leni on

    Hi! Im 73 yr young.. i just drinked hour half ago nothing trigger! :-) so like someone said drink warm green tea till it happens.. that is in process right now..drinking matcha green tea.. i hope i dont have use the whole day doing this.. and no meals? did i miss something? :-) my stomach is very bloated… is that a sign lol

    Reply
  37. Edi on

    This recipe worked within 30-40 min after drinking! And I’ve been to the bathroom at least five or six times in about 90-120 minutes. Stay at home and close to the bathroom!
    It also tasted pretty pleasant (used pink himalayan salt and fresh lemon juice) especially compared with the bottles of magnesium citrate you buy from the store with all the edta, sucralose, and other artificial additives.

    Reply
  38. Illtryme2 on

    I’m writing this comment on the toilet🤦🏽‍♀️plz warning Don’t mistake for passing gas…oh..nd don’t take if working or have to go anytime soon! My darn feet sleep! been in bathroom for hour! But my stomach feels great!

    Reply
  39. Manu on

    What if nothing happens after drinking the warm water and salt? I felt my stomach gurgle but have not had to go to the bathroom for over 3 hours since drinking the salt water. I drank a quart in less than 2 minutes.

    Reply
  40. Pamela on

    I unfortunately have Issues with CONSTIPATION that Seem Overwhelming at times. 😰
    I am SO GRATEFUL that You posted this to Help me & others by providing Natural Ways to Cleanse my/our bodies ✨️ 🙌 🙏 💖

    Reply
      • Annelize Vd Merwe on

        If you have small intestine bacterial overgrowth, any fibre will WORSEN the problem and ADD to constipation. This is not your place to give such bad advice when Dr Axe already gave THE BEST SOLUTION for the problem!!!

  41. Angel on

    Would this be good to prepare for a 13 hour flight or would it be better to do after a 13 hour flight to prevent travel constipation?

    Reply
  42. Angel on

    Would this be good to prepare for a 13 hour flight or would it be better ? to do that after a 13 hour flight travel constipation?

    Reply
  43. Nancy on

    Wondering if there are health conditions of. Y individual who should not use this method?!? Conditions like heart, or elevated bp or kidney. Nothing was noted in the article. Thanks.

    Reply
  44. aryan on

    Hello there. I am not a doctor but educated i just talk from my personal experience and my local herbal medicine which has been curing people for several thousands of years but as the offered medicines are quite safe , i recommend you to try them , The symptoms you have mentioned shows that your bile system does not work properly which leads to constipation and it trigers a chain of major problems in your body, constipation leads to accumulation of toxins in your body and it will cause itchiness in your skin eye and….
    bile blockage makes you deficient in all fat soluble vitamins like A , D, K, E . Vitamins which causes dry skin and eyes .and many other problems .
    Now you have to perform 2 strategies: short term and long term ones.
    t’s better to start with low amounts , watch your body respone and then decide to increase or decrease the dosage.
    1-Constipation cure : Castor OIl is the star of the show !! Take 2 or 3 castor oil ( impurified natural castor oil and not a castor oil full of added chemicals ) , it will empty your intestines in 30 minutes or so and cleans your blood and arteries efectively without any harm . despite castor beans are toxic but it’s oil is quite safe and we have been using it for thousands of years absolutely without no any side effects , so don’t listen to people who scare you from castor oil! The longer you use it the healthier you’ll be. it won’t create any allergies or other problems ! even children can use it without any worry . I recommend to use it once in a day , or every other day or at least every 3 days. Never let the feces to stay in your abdomen for more than two days !!
    This way the toxins accumulated in your body will be removed and your skin problems will disappear gradually.
    For itchiness : baking soda solution in water does magic in alleviating the itchiness ! the best remmedy of itching is a mild solution of sodium bicarbonate( baking soda) in water ; a teaspoonful sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water. Rub the solution on your itching skin and watch the magic !
    Long term cure : 1- Drink 2-3 tablespoonful of extra virgin olive oil in the morning on the empty stomach , warm but not hot olive oil works better.
    2- use soluble fibers like arabic gum or persian gum or other foods contain soluble gum like okra , figs , aloe vera gel , flax seeds , psyllium husk , fenugreek seeds , and raw honey before your lunch or dinner meal. because soluble fiber eases the bile current.
    fiber content of all of them need to be solved in water before being eaten:
    arabic gum is soluble in cold water but needs time , so you have to soak it in water from hours before drinking but persian gum only solves in hot water and you need to boil it to release it’s gel .that’s true for flax seeds fenugreek seeds and psyllium husk too , otherwise they can block your stomach or intestines and create more problems . for okra you have to crush then soak them over night to release the gel into the water .
    the easiest one is fresh aloe vera gel which really really does magic in curing the all kinds of digestive problems .
    3- consum foods containing lecithin like raw egg yolk , walnuts, sesame seeds , hemp seeds. because lecithin is an emulcifier which helps to release bile ., they work better on empty stomach.raw egg yolk is full of vitamins and minerla that you need in an available form , it’s actually a health bomb , egg yolks does solve your cholestrol gradually and lower your lipid levels by time . Dr. Eric Bergs recommends up to 4 egg yolks per day , but as i said before it’s better to start with one then increase it gradually.
    4- coffee : beat one egg yolk in a glass then pour on it hot brewed coffee mix well and drink it. especially on empty stomch , you can add a teaspoonful of raw honey or milk to it as well
    5- after you solved your constipation issue by olive oil and other things using crushed raw garlic , ginger , turmeric will help you a lot
    6- start and end your meals with a pinch of natural salt (not purified nor iodated salt) to see the instant effect of it on your digestion.
    stay healthy and happy !

    Reply
    • Mary M on

      Hi Aryan,
      Thanks for your helpful tips.
      Will castor oil help with bloating even though l am doing a mild candida cleanse.
      I have been taking digestive enzymes with my evening meal.

      Thanks Mary M

      Reply
    • Pamela Ransom on

      Aryan, YOU REALLY KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT DIGESTIVE ISSUES. 😃
      I had my gallbladder removed, even though they didn’t need to remove it, 10 years ago and ever since I have had so many digestive problems with constipation especially.
      I’m wondering if you would be willing to help me understand better Natural ways to help my digestive system function?
      I am leaving my name and email address to see IF YOU would tell me about what other kind of foods,minerals, herbs,etc that might help me?

      Reply
      • Julie Taylor on

        Senna tablets or make senna tea from leaves or take a tea sold at Walmart called (smooth move) to help with constipation. It works great and it’s natural.

    • Denise on

      This is so well explained. As I love how Dr Axe explains all of life’s needs to get and stay healthy, so is the way you have explained this importance to keep the intestines clean. I have been doing the Japanese water therapy first thing in the morning and then do the olive oil with ginger, lemon, cayenne and honey 30 min. after, for about 4 years now. I chew an inch and 1/2 of aloe vera. I appreciate all the education on natural living and health encouragement Dr Axe and you put out there for us all. God bless
      Denise

      Reply
  45. Mitzi on

    Surely all that salt is bad for those who have a tendency to high blood pressure. I have had HBP but I don’t have it now. I wouldn’t touch this recipe.

    Reply
    • Charisima on

      With HBP itnis good to be cautionary but here is a bit about salt.
      Regular iodinized table salt is industrial/commercial salt. It collects and retains water in our bodies. Sea salt and Himylaian salts have minerals that our body needs and is digested easier and affects our body differently. What is important with the natural salts is that you drink water to keep them flushed through your system.
      I general our bodies need a bit of salt (sodium chloride) for proper cellular exchange.

      Reply
    • April on

      Salt is not the problem many doctors over the decades made it out to be…before refrigeration, many foods were preserved in salt and people would have consumed 10 times what we consume today…sugar is the problem….read “the salt fix” by Cardiologist Dr James Dinicolantonio (great book, you can probably find it at your local library as well)

      Reply
  46. Marty on

    Thank you Dr. Axe and Kapuna Aunty Margaret Machado, Hawaiian legend, healer, and Lomilomi teacher who made the Deep Sea Saltwater Cleanse famous. Used to do a simplified version almost 35 years ago. Vivid memories of the ‘bucket inspections’ to see the discharged impacted fecal matter.
    The full 7- or 10-day versions included Lomilomi massage, cleaning herbs, fruit and vegetable meals, sunbathing, sauna, exercise on the beach at a remote Hawaiian retreat.
    Though Aunty Margaret passed in 2009, the tradition is still being carried on.

    Reply
    • Carol Labelle on

      The reason for the EXACT measurement and ratio of salt to water is to make sure the ionic charge of the flush is neutral enough to your bowel lining so that the salt water stays as a wash in the colon, and doesn’t much transverse the colon wall. This is one place that adjusting the recipe could be counter productive.

      Reply
      • Deedee on

        Yes, this is very important. The exact ratio of salt to
        Water give the liquid the same density as blood which is why it can pass right through without being absorbed. It’s also why you can die of dehydration when stranded a drift on the sea but drink plenty of sea (salty) water. The body doesn’t recognize a specific concentration of salt water as an absorbable liquid but as a body fluid that just passes through.

  47. Monica on

    Thank you for the info! When you mention taking probiotics after, I feel like it infers that the salt flush ruins/removes your current good flora. Sounds similar to the negative effects of antibiotics which I’m trying to avoid. Can you help me understand better the difference?

    Reply
      • ANON on

        The best probiotic is milk kefir use it instead of the commercial ones. You do the flush first then wait until bedtime then take a cup or two of the milk kefir. After you take a break from the salt flush keep taking the milk kefir.

    • Veronica on

      The ratio of salt to water is important.

      Dr. Axe didn’t say the weight range for this recipe. If you feel you may need it, make a double recipe and drink what you can. Make sure to drink lots of plain water as well!

      As with endoscopy/colonoscopy prep, the goal is to eliminate fecal matter and flush the entire GI tract with clear liquid. My GI doc suggested I take stool softeners if I was constipated prior to the prep.

      Reply
  48. Sham Singh on

    Two tea spoons are not much for my body of 6’2” and weight of 205 lbs. For my machine I need 4 tea spoons that is about 24 grams it makes one table spoon = 18grams approx and plus one tea spoon about 6 grams aprox.

    Reply
  49. Linda on

    I need something to help me- I have bowel movements about every 2 weeks and my right side of back hurts. Been going on for years and doctors cannot find why but I need to go!

    I have heart disease- the cholestoral one- Osteogenesis Imperfecta- DRY DRY SKIN that I cannot get rid of and skin doctor said here is more stuff to try so basically no help. It is creams to put on my scalp yet my inside of eyes and ears and nose and scalp itch all the time! No rash.

    Can you help me?

    Would this detox help or another kind?

    Bless you and yours.

    Reply
    • Rebekah on

      You have hypochloridia; drink 2 oz of lemon juice (undiluted) through a straw every time you eat. Don’t drink any water or other liquids with or near (20 minutes before, one hour after) meals.
      Hypochloridia causes bloating, constipation, fungal overgrowth, cavities, and kidney stones, among many other things. The fungal overgrowth is what’s causing the itching. Incorporate coconut oil and cinnamon into your diet, and try to eat Paleo-style.
      Within 24-28 hours of starting to take the lemon juice, your gut will start emptying. After two weeks on the lemon juice you can start taking HCL capsules with meals instead, if you want. Doctor’s Best brand is effective and inexpensive.

      Reply
    • Gloria on

      Dear Linda, my doctor recommended magnesium to help facilitate bowel movements. I take 1 magnesium oxide tablet with every meal and every morning, after I have a small glass of water or 1/2 my cup of coffee or tea, I need to go,
      There are many different types of magnesium, mag oxide is what you want.
      Do some searches on magnesium, it has many health benefits and a deficiency in it may be causing some of your other symptoms.
      If 3 per day makes your stools too loose, back down to 2/ day. I hope this will help you.

      Reply
    • nat on

      Could possibly have something to do with the liver. Read about the liver and gallbladder flush by andreas moritz. That might give some valuable information.

      Reply
    • Rae on

      Sounds like candida biofilm! Severe detox is necessary. The bodies toxicity will negatively impact liver and kidneys. I’m sure you also have leaky gut! Body needs nutrients. Start with every other day coffee
      Enemas and then Defoe Tummy. Google dr Daniels candida study

      Reply
    • Janani on

      Have you ever deep cleaned your colon?? I was like this too and so weak and sick. I decided to do coffee enemas, and there were so many parasites, so I decided to keep doing them sometimes 2-3 x a day as I was releasing some really old toxic stuff. When I would feel really toxic from the die off I’d do another enema which is key when you’re this impacted, since clearing it out I have perfect posture vericose veins GONE, I can sleep, no itching no dry skin, eyes big and bright,
      I also completely stopped eating sugar white flour it and processed food or meat, whole food only. What a life saving thing. Research the hidden parasite issue we have. Everyone has them.
      They slowly take your life by blocking up bowels along with food not designed for humans. When you have old poo and dead animal inside of you, you attract parasites because they think they need to decompose you. Get it out! Pooping 3 times a day MINIMUM. Constipation is a toxic health damaging things, look up the book this famishing world and read about food and your colon health.

      Reply
  50. Misan on

    Will this (salt water flush) flush out good bacteria? Like oxalobacter formigenes that can not be regained/replenished once lost?

    Reply
  51. Premlatha Rajkumar on

    Thank you Dr. Axe for all your wonderful enlightening articles on health and wellbeing. I have been following your posts and buying your products for a long time now and I have never been disappointed. You are a wonderful human being and your service to humanity is greatly appreciated. May you be immensely blessed! Appreciate you for all that you are and all that you do!

    Reply
    • Jo on

      I’ve read on other salt water flushes that drinking the solution quickly will make people throw up. Another detox site I use recommends 1.5-2.5 TBSP of salt and to sip slowly over 20-30min

      Reply
      • Marsha on

        I’m extremely constipated and did cleanse exactly as directed.. 2 + hours ago.. nothing??? I’m 80 and otherwise in great health

    • Tanya on

      I used to buy the Shudh cleanse, which is no longer available. But, I still keep with the practice, though I use Dr. Axe’s recipe. I gulp 8-10 oz, then do 6 Asana yoga moves for digestion, then another 8-10oz and so on. It usally takes me 2L and 2 hrs to accomplished the task. I sometimes gag, so I’ll stop drinking at that point or take a break. I could never do 1L all at once.

      Reply
  52. Emma on

    Always we were told salt water was given to induce vomiting and that works too good. Maybe enough lemon juice would stop that??

    Reply
  53. Jan on

    I have been using salt water flushes since the early 1980’s. Especially when I am fighting an illness or an infection. They are life saving. I always do them first thing in the morning and also combine them with high colonic irrigation at times. I used them when I was fighting the Covid 19 battle (along with several other holistic and natural remedies) and could not have made it through without them. I do not use pharmaceuticals of any kind, not even an aspirin and especially not antibiotics which ruined my health after massive intravenous infusions for chronic childhood infections.

    Reply
    • George Gavin on

      Psoriasis may be caused by a variety of circumstances. One reference you can explore is Dr. John Pagano, for real.

      I healed my own psoriasis with a 3 month mainly vegetarian diet, as much organic as I could.

      No refined foods, clean food with as few or no additives as and if possible. No dairy, white bread and no nightshade family vegetables; these include tomatoes -ketchup, spaghetti sauce etc. , eggplant and potatoes and a few other google search: (nightshade foods).

      Some daily exercise, walking is good enough and early morning early evening sunlight or vit. d supplement.

      Get his book and there is a lecture on YouTube to find out about him.

      That worked for me, and I am not dispensing medical advice.

      Reply
    • tracy on

      Hi Bryan: This is my personal experience only, not a medical professional and not a nutritionist-I have found that eating keto and then went carnivore and saw my skin clear after one week on carnivore. Nutrition is best way to resolve skin problems. And not dirty keto, please. Nourishing foods that don’t contain grains or sugars or come in a packet or box. My skin would flare the worst when consuming glutens and alcohol. No troubles at all when I went back to keto after a brief trial with carnivore diet. Something to think about :)

      Reply
    • Su on

      I healed mine with a combo of the following 2 things:
      (1) MSM crystals: buy the large crystals and grind into a fine powder. Avoid the MSM powders or capsules… they may contain fillers
      (2) Raw shea butter: really any natural lotion will do. But not something runny – it needs to be thick enough to “hold” the MSM powder. Avoid over-processed “mositurizers”

      Mix 85% lotion with 15% MSM powder and apply twice (or more) daily as lotion.

      My back, inner thighs, butt cheeks, arms were covered with it, it was itchy and embarassing! Suffered for YEARS! And it’s now cleared. Next Summer I can wear open-backed clothing…yeyyyy!!

      Also, I shared this with someone in my workout class who had it pretty bad on their arms and it healed theirs as well, so it’s NOT just me. Try it, and good luck!

      Reply
    • Janani on

      Also look into mouth parasites. I had advanced periodontal disease and teeth were sensitive and getting loose, could not figure it out. Did a huge enema cleanse over a month and my teeth are completely healed. If you have mercury fillings get those out because the heavy metal attracts parasites.
      Rinse with high content salt water 10 x a day to kill the parasites in your gums. They also get into your sinuses and seep toxins onto the tooth roots.

      Reply
    • anon on

      Mix a high concentration of salt regular table salt if you don’t have pink or purified sea salt also known as Hawaiian salt, then just gargle with the mixture multiple times daily until the infection clears. I can tell you from personal experience it works, and you should see results by the second day at most, normally the end of the same day. You don’t swallow it just gargle and spit it out.

      Reply
    • Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN on

      As long as you keep it to a short time period, such as 1 to 2 days, yes, it would be safe. A salt water cleanse is safe for breastfeeding because toxins are pulled out very gradually, in smaller amounts, and your breast milk is largely unaffected.

      Reply
    • Jolene Simmons on

      Saltwater flush is the only thing that works for my constipation. In the morning before breakfast. I add lemon and lime juice. Drink it down in 5 minutes or less and within 45 minutes it works. Concentrate on the bowel movement and not reading or the internet.

      Reply
    • Rainey on

      It’s been a long time since I did the research but what I remember is that the clay beds used to evaporate seawater for the Celtic sea salt have mineral properties that add to the benefits. And it tastes better to me.

      Reply
    • Dominic Feeney on

      Maybe you didn’t use enough water volume or use enough salt? I usually put in more than 2 teaspoons, actually don’t think that would make it saline enough for your gut to reject it and flush it through.

      Reply
    • andy on

      maybe you were not on a completely empty stomach.

      if you do this and your stomach is empty, you’ll simply become bloated.

      Reply
  54. jowpie on

    I did two cleanses in 1 day. I was super backed up. first cleanse definitely worked, emptied out everything. second cleanse, I’m 30 mins in and feel no urge to poop yet

    Reply
  55. Usha Sri on

    Hi, I tried this today with one litre water It worked very well. But please let me know when can I didn’t l drink normal water? After how many hours one should consume food? And even probiotic drink.

    Reply
  56. Rick on

    Your body does not absorb the salt, or as little as possible. The whole point is to make a solution that will pass through the body. The solution has specific gravity such that it ‘floats’ through the body, not being absorbed. That is what makes it able to flush the colon.

    Reply
  57. Nikki on

    What would be a good schedule to follow? Salt water cleanse, detox drinks, baths, master cleanse, eat normal but healthy foods. What to do first, second, third, etc.???

    Reply
    • Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN on

      Hi Nikki … I would urge you to pace yourself. Too many cleanses can deplete your system. Don’t do more than for 3 days. And yes, eat clean foods throughout. Here are two good articles about eating plans: https://draxe.com/nutrition/healing-diet/ and https://draxe.com/nutrition/clean-eating-meal-plan/

      Reply
      • anon on

        Speaking from experience add dandelion tea it too has a laxative effect and halts spike protein in less than 2 minutes.

  58. Sue on

    Hi I did this and it worked. However, it took me longer than 5 minutes to drink all the water. This was also my first time doing any colon cleanse. Next time hopefully I will be able to drink all the water closer to 5 minutes. Feeling great!

    Reply
    • Kevin on

      I used 4 cups, which is roughly 1 liter. I was able to drink 2 cups in 5 minutes. Over the next 20 minutes I sipped 1 more cup, because of nausea. I stopped and did not drink the full liter, but still go results within the hour.

      Reply
  59. Ssejuuko Richard on

    I tried it but ididnt get tthe results could be having aserious problem or it so happens and may be later it can work out just asking

    Reply
  60. june seymour on

    I ate a frozen dinner with 66per cent salt, now i have a rash on my legs, very itchy, breaking out, i always try to watch how much salt i consume at any one time, no potato chips or salt on my food, have had to watch salt for several years, this just was my mistake for not reading the contents of the meal, can you suggest something to stop the itch?

    Reply
    • Lee on

      A salt flush you drink the water to cleanse the intestinal tract. An enema, you insert water anally to cleanse the colon. Both have the same effect, yet the enema cannot flush beyond the colon.

      Reply
  61. Aujunai on

    How can a person drink a whole liter of water…which is 33. 8 ounces of water at one time without vomiting it all back up? Are you sure these measurements are correct? this doesn’t sound right for the 1 liter part. Was this correct about the 1 liter of water?

    Reply
    • Ash on

      Hi Aujunai, I’ve done this a few times and it’s been totally fine. 1 liter of water is achievable without vomiting. I pour mine out from the jar and have 4 glasses worth. I take a 10 second break between each glass which might help.

      Reply
      • Harkirat on

        I tried the flush water today and just after 5 minutes I vomited. All the water I drank came out. What do you think, what could have gone wrong?

    • Walter B on

      @Aujunai –

      After working with 100’s of clients, sharing the Sea Salt Cleanse, those that end up “vomiting it all back up” were suffering from:

      1. mild to server forms of constipation (= anything less than 1 or 2 bowel movements per day depending on the type of diet)

      2. they may have slight to server forms of negative bacteria, from buggy meats, fish, and vegetables that have proliferated the upper and lower digestive tract.

      Could be other problems…

      However, after several attempts over several days, those that were vomiting were able to wash away the disturbance in their upper digestive tract and the saltwater was able to flow from end to end or from your mouth, through your intestinal tract to your toilet unhindered.

      Reply
    • Kelly on

      One litre is the same as drinking 2 bottles of bottled water that come in a case. You can definitely do this without vomiting

      Reply
  62. Flo on

    The indian panchakarma known as shankaprakshalana in my experience is far more effective in cleansing…it involves a series of exercises to help the intestinal movement.

    Reply
  63. Su j on

    I was deathly ill with colon blockage brought about by antibiotic that previously had different name, had fda approval of name change to avoid BLACKBOX WARNING of side effects that includes death. My colon had basically stopped functional use. Unable to even keep water from vomiting, my family brought me to G.I specialist who accused me of anorexic behavior, that antibiotics were not an issue it was all in my head and suggested colonoscopy. I told him to go ____ himself. My brilliant wholistic practitioner suggested gallon of water with salt, watched me drink every drop over few hours. Saved my life. Blessings.

    Reply
  64. Mary on

    Is this safe to do if you have high blood pressure or heart issues? (asking because of that is a lot of sodium)

    Reply
  65. Rebekah on

    I love Dr. Axe and the many more natural remedies he suggests but I dont love how he and so many online never answer any questions asked in comments on their articles etc. Ya’d think he’d chime in at least once in a while….

    Reply
    • Kate on

      I used to think the same way. But then i realized he is not MY doctor. If he took the time to reply to every question on the multitude of articles he has, past and present then he wouldn’t have time to get articles published. Have a blessed day

      Reply
  66. felicitas on

    Ist there any contraindication to salt water flush ?e.g.HTN ect?How many times to you do this?How long will drink that one liter?Any side effects after the flush?It seems scary to be drinking bolus saline water?

    Reply
  67. Teresa on

    This doesn’t seem like a good idea for those with high blood pressure. Can you get the same effect with just the warm water and lemon, minus the salt?

    Reply
    • Lee on

      No. The salt has purging effects. It cleans out the contents of the digestive tracts.
      As for the high blood pressure, food is thy medicine. You are the only one in charge of your health.

      Reply
      • Kevin Green on

        Have done it many times with high blood pressure with no increase or ill effects. I feel better when its all said and done. Along with masters cleanse, long-term juice fasting, I was able to reset, lose weight, learn to eat better and get off all meds.

  68. Don on

    Did the master cleanse in college back in the early 70’s. No solid food for two weeks just salt water then a mixture of pure lemon juice maple syrup and cayenne pepper throughout the day.also some black organic tea. Finished it off with a quart of OJ on my last day and felt more energetic than I ever felt. Dropped 12 lbs in 14 days.

    Reply
  69. Gary on

    I see three recipes #2 # 4 #6
    I’m puzzled am I suppose to graduate to higher or is it based on something else?
    I’m sure it explains somewhere I cant find

    Reply
  70. CourtMc2 on

    Just tried this cleans for the first time. Drank the entire liter and almost immediately felt something brewing…ran to the bathroom, sat down and grabbed the garbage can to vomit up pretty much the entire liter. About 5 minutes later it worked out the other end. Not sure if the vomiting is a one time thing for my body or if it will happen each time, but it was not fun. Thinking I’ll just let my body recover from this and maybe try it again next weekend to see if anything changes. Anyone else have this happen with this cleanse?

    Reply
      • BeeNice on

        I have done this several times and never vomit. It usually takes me 6 minutes to drink the salt water. And 15 minutes before I have to go to the bathroom. Then sit for an hour. Don’t walk away and think you just have to fart cuz it won’t be a fart.

  71. Johnmills on

    I have been taking senna one night and one morn for about 2yrs but Suddenly Suffering server pain in my
    Abdomen so visit my doctor Question
    Why the CHANGE ALL OF ASUDDEN NO
    WARNING

    Reply
  72. Monica on

    Experiencing cleanse right now! So happy I did it! How long should I wait to eat?!?! Ice fasted for 18 hrs so far and very hungry lol thank you!

    Reply
  73. Daniel on

    For all you concerned about the salt absorption… understand that the body is 0.9% salt. This is why IV fluids of Normal Saline is 0.9%. It’s considered isotonic…. It won’t draw water from the cells or increase the salt concentration in the cells. The body will do it’s own regulation of intaking too much salt or pure water. It’s osmosis. When you drink the salt water solution if it’s too salty, your body will try to make it isotonic by pulling water from the body, causing dehydration. If it’s not salty enough, your body will absorb the water to hydrate you, causing more frequent urination. Two teaspoons of salt in a liter of water will pull fluids from the body to try and dilute the salt, increasing the volume of your intestines with more fluids. Your body will try to expel the salty water as quickly as possible to keep itself from getting too dehydrated. This also carries out important bacteria’s that help regulate the digestive system. Yogurt with probiotics and other enzymes are extremely important after a flush. After your finished emptying your bowels, drink plenty of fresh water to replenish what was drawn out of the body.

    Reply
    • AF on

      I’ve tried this flush several times following instructions and measurements very precisely and I just get bloated, nothing comes out. I have normal amount of Celtic sea salt in my diet. I have some type of electrolyte imbalance and every time I eat salty foods, I get bloated. The flush worked for my husband perfectly, so it’s definitely not a measurement issue. I’m very curious what could be causing me to retain water/salt. Low potassium maybe? I have a lot of it in my diet though and have tried supplementing with potassium citrate.

      Reply
  74. Willie Cooper on

    Works like a charm! I actual feel energized even though I work out everyday I now really want to workout with added energy…thanks… this recipe is a life changer for me!

    Reply
  75. Jeanette Nielsen on

    Dear Dr Axe
    Iam on my 8 day in a juice cleanse.
    Do i you think that the salt water flush will be a good thing to do now or should I have started out doing that?

    Jeanette

    Jea

    Reply
  76. Justine on

    Hey Dr.Axe,

    Thanks for the recipe! I am having a hard time keeping the flush down, and quickly throw up after taking it. Does this mean this flush isn’t for me or is there anything I can do? I do live in Canada and our measurements are a bit different, but I do 4 cups of water (which is a lot!) and two teaspoons of Himalayan pink salt.

    Thanks again for the receipts, big fan of your website and YouTube channel!

    Reply
    • CourtMc2 on

      I just experienced the same exact thing. Within a minute of finishing the salt water I rushed to the bathroom and vomited up pretty much the entire liter. But also had a ‘cleanse’ out the other end too within 5 minutes after vomiting. Sounds like you and I have similar reactions, I would also like to know if there is something that we should change about this cleanse to make it easier on our system.

      Reply
    • SC on

      Justine you are the second person in the comments to say this happened to them. I wish he would answer questions so we would know. I want to try this but not sure now…….

      Reply
  77. Sonia on

    I did this flush for the first time today. I was thoroughly cleaned out and I feel so much better. I do suffer with frequent constipation and stomach cramps. I think this will help. I plan to do the flush once monthly

    Reply
  78. Pre on

    I read a tip somewhere that drinking this through a straw helps get it down, and I’ve found that definitely helps for me…not sure why, though!

    Reply
  79. David Schare on

    To the Doctor
    I mixed this drink up just like it says and it’s been about two hours and I still have not used the bathroom i am still plugged up please help thank you

    Reply
  80. luba sulpovar on

    Hi dr Axe, I have been reading your articles for more than 5years.
    I highly appreciated your knowledge and willingness to help people.
    You’re a one of a kind empathic good heart person. Than you sooo very much.

    Reply
  81. Diane gonzalez on

    What does dr. Axe say about histamines? Does collegian make histamines worse? And what can a person do if they are allergic to histamines? Thank you, Diane Gonzalez.

    Reply
  82. lissett bell on

    I have been drinking salt water for over 3yrs very good but I normally add bicarbonate of soda in cold water it works very fast. I never have probiotics I just have a healthy breakfast
    Thank you

    Reply
  83. Debbie Boyd on

    I did the 2 teaspoons salt and lemon. Nothing happened. I did not go. I had an injury in my small intestine area, electrical current burn. Not digesting food and I eat very little and can not loose weight.

    Reply
  84. Zeinab on

    I have a question, can a person who suffers from high blood pressure try this recipe? Can I use Himalayan pink salt instead of sea salt?

    Reply
    • Munkle on

      Thank you for this great life hack. First off, please read the recipe before you mix your drink. I must’ve dreamed up that it was two tablespoons and discovered my error too late. For about an hour I walked the corridors, intermittently lying down to contemplate getting my affairs in order, thinking I had mistakenly received a glass of Jim Jones cool-aid. Then I could literally feel the Volkswagen Beetle slowly making its way through my intestines. I made a good choice when I decided to sit on the throne to welcome its arrival. As I backed the car out of the garage it was followed by the longest waterfall movement I’d ever experienced, I was so surprised I let out a loud “MY GOODNESS”. Then all is well!

      Reply
  85. Barry Chlypavka on

    This sounds stupid, it is not good to have that much salt added to your system. It can raise blood pressure. The article does not warn off anyone who must avoid salt for high blood pressure. This seems irresponsible and dangerous.

    Reply
  86. Mary Jane Cordero on

    Hi Dr. Axe! May I please ask if I can do a salt water flush on the 4th day if my fasting. I have been drinking only pure water and two cups of warm water with lemon and maple syrup since Saturday. Thanks and God bless you!

    Reply
  87. Glenn Fawcett on

    Since reading this I have been on salt water wash for three months starting first of June and tomorrow is 1 September it is the best thing I have done for my IBS I have struggled with this problem for years I swim I exercise and this is been the best thing thanks Dr Axe

    Reply
  88. spencer sarlat on

    If you eat two or three a apples pet day and. Two or three green or red peppets and drink enough water. You won’t need this cleanse.

    Reply
  89. Tiff on

    Is this safe for a toddler? If so how much can they take. My friends son is stopped up bad and the pedialax is not working yet.

    Reply
  90. Michelle on

    Hello! Is this flush better for the body than a magnesium flush? It certainly sound much quicker as the mag one takes overbite. Thnx! U r the best dr axe!

    Reply
  91. Ben on

    I did this years ago but used 2 tablespoons of salt instead. I thought I was going to die. Don’t overdo the salt.

    Symptoms: Shivering, sweating, felt cold, diarrhea, nausea, excessive thirst, inability to drink water because it added to the nausea.

    No exaggeration… it really felt like I wasn’t going to make it.

    Be careful out there.

    Reply
  92. Debra on

    You have excellent info! I’m wondering what I should search out in all your info regarding this in and off diarehea along with my stomach not feeling good, sometimes chills come with it(could be dairy culprit) Other times I feel wonderful(but I’ll notice no B Movement) then then next day not feeling so good. Also, my stomach is measured 39′ concerns me. Not sure what I can do? Also regarding salt water above recipe. What’s your feelings on enema using salt Water? I’m thinking once my probiotics have empty I thought maybe I try your gut health. Thank You for leading me to article that might give me light😊

    Reply
  93. Patty on

    Is this safe to do with gallstones? I am also missing my entire colin as well as part of the small bowel but seem to be very constipated considering! Thanks!

    Reply
  94. Morgan on

    What if this doesn’t produce a bm? Like how powerful is this cleanse?
    My hubs has been constipated for weeks. He did this flush, and nothing.
    Time to see a doctor?

    Reply
  95. James P. on

    I’ve been pooping diarrhea every 5-10 min, starting from about 1.5 hours after the flush. Is that okay? There’s been no pain. Also, how often can this flush be done?

    Reply
  96. Leo Henry Bonin jr on

    after reading these comments I ran out to try to find a stoer to buy my apple cider vinager, could not find a stoer anywhere…then I tried to google it and found that I was stupid for trying to follow someones advice and my auto correct told me and I quote ” hey stupid your looking for a store, there is no such thing as a stoer”

    Reply
  97. Lori on

    Does this cause the pain/cramps that normally come with a quick colon cleanse? I’m having a colonoscopy next week and don’t want to go through the prep again — had to cancel last month because the “prep kit” that I was required to order did not do the trick for me. I’d love to try something more natural.

    Reply
  98. Maedell Gary on

    Hi
    sounds good, “It late, need my sleep,” check back. With you tomorrow on rest of this, you have a great site here. If I can find it!
    Maedell Gary

    Reply
  99. Alisa on

    I didn’t see anything about apple cider in this article. It was talking about a master cleanse which includes sea salt, lemon juice and warm water only.

    Reply
    • Leo Henry Bonin jr on

      I didnt either plus there is no such thing as a stoer…you get it from the STORE just like you learn to spell from skool.

      Reply
  100. KiKi on

    Is there an alternative recipe for children? Or is the original recipe ok for them? And at what age can children start this cleanse?

    Reply
  101. Allie Tracy on

    I just did this and as soon as I finished drinking all the water I threw up. Every bit of it. Any tips for this???

    Reply
    • Nandarani on

      Allie! Go back and look at Amanda’s comment on sole; it’s around March 18, 2018, I think, a little above this one. Do research on sole – it might help anybody looking for a regular, daily way to have things ‘move along’ in the mornings. There are several articles; we need to use the terms in her comment to pull up the articles, i.e., jar, sea salt, water. If you want to continue working with this salt water flush, which is stronger and can’t be used, according to one site, for more than 7 days (recommendation; other sites similar recommendation) without waiting several weeks – sole might be a solution (literally, it is a solution of organic salt in water, kept in a jar, and taken 2 teaspoons in the morning daily. I like the sole idea at least to try it, because it is milder and solves other ‘issues’ – one does not have to buy magnesium any more, for one! deeprootsat home was one website; another, savorylotus

      Reply
  102. Kirsten Nunes on

    Your web class is having trouble with signing in, it keeps asking you to put your name in the box provided, but it doesn’t recognize when you do.

    Reply
  103. Richard Hug on

    Thanks dr., you are changing the world, God bless you for providing an alternative to standard practice. I am praying for you and your family!

    Reply
  104. Gretchen on

    This is dangerous advice & NOT a treatment for constipation. It’s close to a colonoscopy prep. Women in the 40’s used it all the time thinking they could control their weight with it.

    Reply
  105. Linda Scarborough on

    I needed a spot in Sunday’s webinar at 5:00 p.m. but I believe it was set up for 11:00 a.m. I will be in church at that time. I am in Pacific time if that matters.

    Reply
  106. Joyce Lee on

    Is it ok to take a colon cleans capsule on a daily basis? Or Can i take this everyday to keep colon clean . I’m also taking spirulina chrollea combination do I need a probiotic I also take ashwagandha and multicollegan protein powder is this too much

    Reply
    • Nandarani on

      Try sole! It is cheaper than buying vitamin C for the purpose of helping elimination, and makes buying magnesium for same purpose or any other, unnecessary, according to one website. I keep commenting not sure whether comments will be posted! See Amanda’s comment above, a little above yours. Use sole, jar, sea salt, as your search terms to get the engine to find the articles.

      Reply
  107. BJ Guest on

    This salt water flush “works” great!!!
    ? How often can I do this…
    Happier in Canada

    PS So enjoying Dr Axe…new Keto Book!!!

    Reply
  108. Katieanna on

    I just did the flush about 45 minutes ago and I feel like im going to vomit I’m also very light headed and dizzy what should I do (^~^)

    Reply
  109. Dylan on

    Just started this today, a little after thirty minutes I had my first movement, second one minutes after that. Is it normal to be mainly liquid the first time?

    Reply
  110. Ryan on

    How often can this be taken, I took it today for the first time with great results. It took roughly an hour for it all kick in and when it did, it was great.

    Reply
    • Nandarani on

      The answer can be found if you search on other websites. One site: no more than 7 days; then let several weeks go by before using again. Others have slightly different recommendations.

      Reply
  111. NS on

    I am so happy with the Salt Water Flush! I’m in my 30’s and have CD, and I may ask to use this for my colonoscopy prep next time. This is better than the colonoscopy prep because you don’t feel icky during/after. I felt normal. I was very skeptical, but I followed the directions exactly except used lime instead of lemon (thinking margarita). It tasted okay, and I was able to drink it all in 5 minutes first thing in the morning. It took about 45 minutes to work for me, and I was completely “flushed” within 3 hours. I would only do this if you have some time to be home. 5 Stars!!

    Reply
  112. Crystal on

    I tried this flush this afternoon and it definitely worked. I have had a lot of surgeries over the last year causing my system to get really backed up by all the pain killers. Tried laxatives, enemas, etc and I’d get SOME relief but not like this. My belly is still rumbling and I’m still up and down to the bathroom. I can say I already feel a few pounds lighter though I’m actually heavier but that’s just water weight. I did this cleanse to basically jumpstart a healthier diet and try to be healthy all together. I use Himalayan pink salt, warm filtered bottled water and lemon juice. First sip wasn’t great but after you drink it more, it’s not that bad and within 30 minutes, I was in the bathroom

    Reply
  113. RONALD DOMBCIK on

    A quart of water will kill me. I have a low sodium issue and was told by a nephrologist I should reduce water I drink as it dilutes my blood sodium. I am 84 and have been hospitalized with low sodium. I drink about 16 oz., not including soup.

    Reply
    • Nandarani on

      Try sole – recommended in a comment a little above this one. Do research on sole – it is saturated water with salt, and from what I am reading at several sites, solves several problems – it could help your sodium lack and more…

      Reply
    • Ryan on

      I did it with about 80% filled in a pickle jar. Still had great results, so probably around 20-24 ounces instead of 32.

      Reply
  114. Lorelei on

    I’ve done this flush twice now. There’s no polite way to ask this, but here we go. Should the “water out” be about as much as the “water in”? If not, does the amount of salt need to be increased or decreased? Or is it possible my body just doesn’t respond well to a salt water flush?

    Reply
  115. Terran Samura on

    Thank you. This information could not have come at a better time. Thank you for assisting me in getting my health back on track. Blessings

    Reply
  116. Tepora Tinoisamoa on

    Hi! I was just told about this method by my trainer today. I plan on doing it tomorrow morning. The thing is my diet plan has me eating every 3 hours. How will that work with the cleanse? Can I still eat while on it or
    Will I have to wait a certain amount of hours before I can eat again? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Nandarani on

      Try what Amanda suggests: sole – see her comment on I think March 18, 2018; it is a little above yours. Research sole – add terms like salt water, sea salt, jar, to get the search engine to find the other articles. It seems like a use daily solution, and not only to encourage elimination naturally; salt and water helps many other aspects of health too!

      Reply
  117. Hannah Murphy on

    It really doesn’t taste THAT bad. Take the end of the lemon you cut and squeeze the juice into the cup before adding water. Then add the lemon slices and let the water/salt mixture sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavor.

    I highly suggest you DON’T slam it down as quickly as possible, as that can lead you to spew it right back up. Slow sips are fine and will get the job done just as well.

    The belly massage is a great idea! Gentle digestive yoga is another thing you can try, especially if you’re drinking this in the morning—it helps wake up the body, mind, and gets you moving and limber to take on the day. It’s a great supplement to this detox tonic, and can get the show on the road much faster and smoother, if you know what I mean :)

    Reply
  118. Suheil on

    I have suffer from hemrrhoids and are now experiecing other issies – liver. I would like to cleanse my gut, with this recipe is it recommended for someone with my condition? I want to start with my colon, then liver detox. everywhere Ive read, it has been recommended to detox/cleanse the gut or colon before anything. In your experience what would you recommend and is it safe.

    Reply
    • Suheil on

      Additionally, can I have coffee in the mornings after a cleanse? or reduce to just fruits, veggies and water?

      I appreciate all your help :-)

      Reply
  119. Sarah on

    BEWARE IF YOU GET MIGRAINES! I suffer regularly from migraines and had one of the worst of my life within an hour of taking this. I felt sick, blinding headache and 14 hours later, still hadn’t gone to the bathroom. I’m not saying that it will be like this for every migraine sufferer, but just something to bear in mind before you proceed?

    Reply
  120. Gauhar Ansari on

    and actually we use iodined salt in our house ? and i dont know about how will i get sea salt or himalayan salt.

    Reply
  121. Gauhar Ansari on

    condition one:
    will it work if i make it half , i mean half liter water with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice?,
    condition two:
    or what if i use 2 tablespoon lemon juice with 1 teaspoon salt in half liter ?

    Reply
  122. Michael H on

    I’ve tried this on someone twice, whilst doing it myself. It worked for me but the other person just absorbed it and there was no “cleansing” effect like i had.

    What could cause that?

    Reply
    • HMH on

      You may have been more generally hydrated than the other person? If a person is dehydrated the body can absorb the solution rather than it’s passing through to flush the system.

      Reply
  123. Amanda on

    I haven’t tried this, but have recently started solè. It’s similar, but instead of preparing as described above you fill a third of a mason jar with quality salt, I use pink Himalayan, and top it off with filtered water. Leave about two fingers from the top and cover with a plastic (no metal) lid and give a good shake. Leave it for a day and if there are any salt crystals left that means the water has reached maximum salt absorption. If not, add more salt, wait another day. I take a teaspoon of this mixed with 8oz of water in an empty stomach every morning. The method claims to boost many benefits, but as I’ve only recently started I have yet to notice anything other than my constipation is now not an issue. If anything, that is worth the minimal effort to prepare and take this daily. Just another option for those suffering from constipation.

    Reply
    • Nandarani on

      Thank you… I did some research. It would be great for every morning just to encourage things to move along. Had never known of sole. One site says ‘never buy magnesium again!’ So another ‘issue’ potentially solved, and inexpensively. All the minerals in sea salt/Celtic salt/Himalayan salt help with sleep, too, and more – . There are a number of sites recommending sole.

      Reply
  124. Darakhshan on

    I am 6 week pregnant can i follow this recipe salt lemon water everymorning or not. I have constipation problem every morning plz suggest

    Reply
  125. Becky on

    I did this minus the massaging as at first I felt kind of hot and sick but it’s been 30 Minutes and I don’t feel the need to go to the bathroom at all. I had some gas but that’s it.

    Reply
  126. Debbie on

    Question: i have a capsule filler. Can I grind the salt and fill the capsules and take ‘home-made salt capsules’ followed by plain warm water instead?

    Reply
    • HMH on

      It’s not about ingesting the salt.

      It’s about using a solution that is the same specific gravity as the cells and blood of the body (think saline solution that hospitals use for IVs).

      Reply
  127. Nathan on

    I followed your directions, nothing happened. No need to go to the bathroom. Waited over an hour, went to sleep, next morning still nothing. I dont understand, I had zero noticable reaction.

    Reply