Why drink a glass of water with salt and lemon in the morning?

Drinking a glass of water with salt and lemon in the morning can be beneficial for several reasons, as explained by Andrew Huberman:

1. Blood Glucose Management: Lemon can reduce blood glucose levels, which can help manage sugar levels after high-sugar meals or snacks. This happens due to the acidity from the lemon impacting blood glucose levels 1.

2. Electrolyte Balance and Nervous System Support: Salt is vital for the body, especially for the neurons which depend on electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and magnesium) for proper function. Drinking salt water can help replenish these essential electrolytes 1 2.

3. Enhancing Alertness and Reducing Shakiness: Salt can offset feelings of lightheadedness or shakiness, common in the morning or during fasting. This is because it stabilizes blood volume, helping to maintain proper blood pressure and fluid balance. Andrew Huberman personally practices this by drinking salt water in the morning to maintain his alertness 3.

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     1

     Salt for Fasting

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     2

     Embracing Salt's Benefits

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     3

     Sodium and Hydration

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4. Potential to Assist in Fasting or Diet Management: For those engaging in intermittent fasting or who experience fasting-like states in the morning, the combination of salt and lemon can help manage feelings of hunger or the urge to eat due to altered blood glucose levels 1.

This practice of drinking water with salt and lemon can provide a simple, yet effective way to manage physiological aspects such as blood sugar, electrolyte balance, and overall alertness.