What Is Sole Water?
It seems like practically every day you go online that there is a new health or fitness fad people are
raving about. There are seemingly endless articles telling people to drink lemon juice, eat only purple
foods, or use coconut oil for literally everything. It's easy to get overwhelmed in the face of conflicting
dietary recommendations, and difficult to separate the facts from the hype. Today, we're going to
take a look at one of the latest crazes: sole water.
What is Sole Water?
Sole or sole water (pronounced “so-lay”) is simply water mixed with salt. We're not talking about a
sprinkle in your glass, sole is saturated with the salt to the point where it can't absorb any more,
leaving a solution that is 26% salt. Small amounts of this solution are then mixed in a glass of
ordinary water and ingested first thing in the morning.
When people tout the benefits of sole, however, they are not talking about water mixed with ordinary
table salt. Table salt is heavily processed and contains only sodium chloride, unless it is iodized. No,
sole lovers insist that Himalayan pink salt is the only thing to use.
Himalayan pink salt comes straight from the earth, from deposits that are millions of years old. It is
naturally rich in iodine and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium) as well as
containing trace amounts of 84 minerals. In fact, it is its high mineral content that gives Himalayan
salt its signature pink color.
When mixed with water, the electrolytes ionize, taking on a positive electrical charge, which then mix
with the negatively charged ions in the water. This creates a new structure that is electrically
balanced for optimum absorption in the body.
So why should you drink sole water? Proponents claim it has a number of health benefits. Let's take
a look at some of these below.
What are the Benefits of Sole Water?
Hydration
Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Where salt goes, water follows, and the more salt that is present in your cells, the more water they
will absorb from your bloodstream in order to reach an equilibrium. This is why eating too much salt
will cause you to “retain water” and feel bloated.
However, the reverse is also true. Too few electrolytes in your system means that water will pass
through your body without absorbing, which stresses your kidneys, lowers your metabolism, and
causes frequent urination. This is why the primary ingredients in sports hydration drinks are
electrolytes, which makes them more hydrating than regular water. In essence, making sole water is
like making a healthy version of Gatorade, without the sugars and dyes.
Detoxification
A body that is properly hydrated absorbs nutrients better, making your immune system stronger and
more able to eliminate toxins. The minerals in sole aids in your body's natural detoxifying process,
and sodium is naturally anti-bacterial.
Helps With Muscle Cramps
It is a common theory that muscle cramps are caused by a lack of potassium in the body. The
naturally occurring potassium in Himalayan pink salt can help reduce muscle cramps during
strenuous exercise.
Boost Energy
Sole is rich in 84 minerals such as magnesium, copper, zinc and calcium. Many of these minerals
energize your body on a cellular level. Some report that increased energy is the first benefit they
notice right away when they start drinking sol.
Improves Digestion
Not only does sole assist in water absorption, it also stimulates the digestive system, improving food
absorption. It encourages your body to secrete enzymes and acids that help break down your food,
such as amylase and hydrochloric acid. Having a better functioning digestive system can even aid in
weight loss!
Better Sleep
The minerals in help sole reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This calming
effect not only improves your mood, it improves your sleep, as you will fall asleep faster and wake up
less often.
Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails
The high mineral content in sole is great for the skin, reducing acne, eczema, and rashes. They are
also beneficial to hair and nail growth.
Anti-Histamine
The balancing effects of sole can work as a natural anti-histamine.
Bone Health
There is speculation that osteoporosis and other bone disorders are caused by the body taking
calcium and other minerals from the bones to neutralize acidity in the blood and for other necessary
functions. Sole is naturally packed with minerals and has an alkalizing effect, so there is good
reason to think that it has a positive impact on bone health.
Vein Health
Sole can help reduce or prevent vein problems like varicose veins by its ability to maintain healthy
mineral levels in the body.
How to Make Sole Water
Sole is incredibly easy to make at home. The important thing to remember is to keep your sole from
contacting anything metal, as that can de-ionize the salt. This includes everything from the container
you're mixing it in to the spoons you are mixing it with. Here are the simple steps to follow to make
your own sol:
1. Fill a glass jar with a plastic lid about ¼ of the way full with Himalayan pink salt. You can use
the finely ground granules or the larger crystals. The larger crystals may take longer to
dissolve, but they are generally cheaper.
2. Fill the rest of the jar with filtered water, leaving some space in the top of the jar. About two
inches of space should suffice.
3. Replace the lid and shake thoroughly. Let the jar sit at room temperature overnight, giving
the salt time to dissolve into the water.
4. If there is still some salt in the bottom of the jar the next day, the water is fully saturated with
salt and ready to use. If all the salt has been absorbed, add some more each day until your
sole can't absorb anymore. The leftover salt on the bottom can be reused for other purposes.
5. Store at room temperature on the counter or in the cupboard. Since salt is naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal, your sole will keep indefinitely. You can add more salt and water as
you use it to maintain the level in the jar.
How To Use Sol Water
Do not drink your sole directly from the jar! You will probably regret it immediately. Have you ever
tried drinking salt water? It's not pleasant.
Instead, add a teaspoon of sole to a glass of regular filtered water. (Remember to use a plastic or
wooden spoon.) It is not necessary to swirl or mix the sole in the jar first, in fact, it is better to avoid
stirring up the salt on the bottom.
Drink your sole water mix first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything else. One
glass a day is all you need. Feel free to add a little lemon juice to flavor it. Resist the temptation to
drink more than that, as excessive sodium is known to have detrimental health effects.
If you notice headaches or other unpleasant detox reactions, start with half a glass and work up to a
full glass slowly. Use caution if you are a sodium-sensitive individual, whose hypertension is
exacerbated by sodium. If that is the case for you, talk with your doctor before using sole, as it may
not be healthy for your body. In fact, this is generally a good idea for anyone starting new
supplements, especially if they are pregnant or have existing health issues.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, like much of the fad health advice out there, there has not been much research done
to confirm the health benefits of sole water, so all of the claims should be taken with a grain of salt,
so to speak. There has, however, been scientific research on the effects of consuming Himalayan
sea salt. In a comprehensive double-blind study, researchers noticed a number of positive changes
in the body, including many of the benefits listed above. So although more research needs to be
done, there does seem to be substance behind the hype.
For most people, sole is safe to drink with no adverse side effects. However, it is important to note
that consuming large amounts of sodium is linked to many chronic health issues such as high blood
pressure, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. On average, the American diet, which is full of processed
foods, contains way more sodium than the recommended amount. It may be wise to reduce or
eliminate these foods from your diet before taking sole regularly.
So if you're looking for a boost to add to your morning routine, give sole water a try. It is a relatively
easy and inexpensive way to give your body a boost and maintain its optimum mineral levels. The
positive effects may be immediate, but if they are not, give it some time. Soon you may find that your
mornings are not complete without a glass to sole water to get you going.