Individuals who habitually drink water first thing upon waking are being urged to incorporate one simple yet transformative addition to their routine. Health expert and renowned biohacker Gary Brecka has shared pivotal advice during a recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast, advocating for the inclusion of mineral-rich sea salt in morning hydration practices.
The Expert Recommendation
During his conversation with host Steven Bartlett, Brecka outlined his morning protocol. "Number one is upon waking I would drink mineralised water," he stated. "I would take 10 ounces of water and I would add either a Celtic sea salt or a Baja gold salt to my water." This recommendation stems from a widespread deficiency in essential trace minerals among the general population.
Why Trace Minerals Matter
Brecka emphasised that most people lack adequate levels of crucial trace minerals such as boron, manganese, molybdenum, and selenium. "You're not talking about table salt here," he clarified, highlighting that Baja gold sea salt is particularly beneficial because it contains all 91 trace minerals. Celtic sea salt is another excellent option, offering over 80 trace minerals that support hydration, electrolyte balance, and overall cellular function.
A study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology corroborates these benefits, noting that these minerals play significant roles in cardiovascular health, nerve function, and the reduction of chronic inflammation. Adding mineral-rich sea salt to morning water can help replenish electrolytes lost overnight, support healthy blood pressure, and improve hydration efficiency, as supported by research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Choosing the Right Salt
Brecka strongly warns against using common table salt, which is predominantly sodium chloride and lacks the beneficial trace minerals found in natural sea salts. "Only about 75% of that sodium crystal is actually sodium," he explained, "the rest is all of these trace minerals." Excessive sodium chloride is linked to increased risks of hypertension and heart disease, making it advisable to avoid table salt entirely.
While pink Himalayan salt is sometimes suggested as an alternative, recent research indicates that certain imports may contain heavy metals due to mining practices, particularly from China. In contrast, properly sourced sea salts like Baja Gold are rigorously tested for contaminants such as microplastics and glyphosates down to 250 parts per billion, according to findings in the Food Chemistry journal.
Practical Implementation
Forget the spoonful of sugar from Mary Poppins; Brecka recommends just a teaspoon of high-quality sea salt in your morning water. This simple addition could be sufficient to support long-term health by addressing mineral deficiencies and enhancing hydration. The practice is straightforward: dissolve a small amount of Celtic or Baja gold sea salt in 10 ounces of water upon waking to kickstart your day with improved electrolyte balance and cellular function.
Incorporating this habit into your daily routine may offer cumulative benefits for overall wellness, making it a worthwhile consideration for anyone looking to optimise their health from the moment they rise.
